Programmable network node roles in hierarchical communications network

ABSTRACT

The disclosure features a method of creating a communications network. In this method, a first tape node includes a first type of wireless communication interface and a second type of wireless communication interface having a longer range than the first type of wireless communication interface. A second tape node includes the first type of wireless communication interface that is operable to communicate with the first tape node over a wireless communication connection established between the first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes. Over a wireless communication connection, the first tape node sends programmatic code executable by the first tape node to function as a master tape node with respect to the second tape node.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure generally relates to logistics and more particularly toasset management, including packaging, tracking, warehousing,inventorying, and monitoring items (e.g., objects, parcels, persons,tools and other equipment).

BACKGROUND

This application relates in particular to power efficient hierarchicallogistics platforms.

SUMMARY

This specification describes a low-cost, multi-function wireless tapesystem with a form factor that unobtrusively integrates the componentsneeded to implement a combination of different logistic functions andalso is able to perform a useful ancillary function that otherwise wouldhave to be performed with the attendant need for additional materials,labor, and expense.

In an aspect, a wireless communication device includes an antenna, awireless communication system, a processor coupled to the wirelesscommunication system, an energy source, a one-time wake circuit that canbe awoken only one time and thereby create a persistent unimpededconnection between the energy source and each of the processor and thewireless communication system, and at least one non-transitory processorreadable medium comprising programmatic code which, when executed by theprocessor, configures the processor to perform operations comprisingcontrolling the wireless communication system to communicate wirelessmessages with one or more other network nodes during respectivecommunication windows specified in the processor readable medium.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communication method. In accordancethis method, responsive to an event, a one-time wake circuit of awireless communication device comprising and antenna, a wirelesscommunication system, and energy source is woken. Responsive to thewaking, a persistent electrical connection is created between the energysource and each of the processor and the wireless communication system.The processor executes programmatic code stored on at least onenon-transitory processor readable medium component of the wirelesscommunication device to perform operations comprising controlling thewireless communication system to communicate wireless messages with oneor more other network nodes during respective communication windowsspecified in the processor readable medium.

In another aspect, a method of creating a hierarchical communicationsnetwork is described. The method includes adhering a first tape node toa first parcel in a set of associated parcels. The first tape nodeincludes a first type of wireless communication interface and a secondtype of wireless communication interface having a longer range than thefirst type of wireless communication interface. A second tape node isadhered to a second parcel in the set. The second tape node includes thefirst type of wireless communication interface. The second tape node isoperable to communicate with the first tape node over a wirelesscommunication connection established between the first type of wirelesscommunication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes. The methodfurther includes establishing, by an application executing on a computersystem, a wireless communication connection with the second type ofwireless communication interface of the first tape node, andtransmitting, by the application, programmatic code executable by thefirst tape node to function as a master tape node with respect to thesecond tape node.

In another aspect, a hierarchical communications network is described.The hierarchical communications network includes a first tape nodeadhered to a first parcel in a set of associated parcels, the first tapenode including a first type of wireless communication interface and asecond type of wireless communication interface having a longer rangethan the first type of wireless communication interface. A second tapenode is adhered to a second parcel in the set and includes the firsttype of wireless communication interface, where the second tape node isoperable to communicate with the first tape node over a wirelesscommunication connection established between the first type of wirelesscommunication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes. A computersystem is operable to execute an application to perform functionscomprising establishing a wireless communication connection with thesecond type of wireless communication interface of the first tape node,and designating, by the application, the first tape node as a mastertape node with respect to the second tape node.

A method of creating a hierarchical communications network also isdescribed. The method includes activating a first tape node and adheringit to a first parcel in a set of associated parcels, the first tape nodecomprising a first type of wireless communication interface and a secondtype of wireless communication interface having a longer range than thefirst type of wireless communication interface. The method also includesactivating second and third tape nodes and respectively adhering them tosecond and third parcels in the set of associated parcels. Each of thesecond and third tape nodes includes the first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a respective sensor. Each of the second andthird tape nodes also is operable to communicate with the first tapenode over a wireless communication connection established between thefirst type of wireless communication interfaces of the first, second,and third tape nodes. An application executing on a computer systemtransmits to each of the second and third tape node programmatic codefor detecting and responding to an event.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specificationinclude methods, processes, systems, apparatus, and tangiblenon-transitory carrier media encoded with one or more programinstructions for carrying out one or more methods and processes forenabling the various functionalities of the described systems andapparatus.

Other features, aspects, objects, and advantages of the subject matterdescribed in this specification will become apparent from thedescription, the drawings, and the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic view of a package that has been sealed forshipment using a segment of an example adhesive tape platform dispensedfrom a roll.

FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic top view of a portion of the segment of theexample adhesive tape platform shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an example of an envelope carrying asegment of an example adhesive tape platform dispensed from a backingsheet.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an example segment of an adhesive tapeplatform.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of a length of an example adhesivetape platform.

FIGS. 5A-5C show diagrammatic cross-sectional side views of portions ofdifferent respective adhesive tape platforms.

FIGS. 6A-6D show diagrammatic top views of lengths of example flexibleadhesive tape platforms that have different respective samplingdensities of wireless transducing circuits.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of activating a wirelesscommunication device by waking a one-time wake circuit.

FIGS. 8A-8B show diagrammatic top views of respective lengths of exampleadhesive tape platforms.

FIG. 8C is diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of an example adhesivetape platform and an example package.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an example of a network environmentsupporting communications with segments of an adhesive tape platform.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a hierarchical communications network.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method of creating a hierarchicalcommunications network.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a distributed method of processing sensordata by hierarchal arrangement of wireless communication devices.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example computer apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Introduction

In the following description, like reference numbers are used toidentify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended toillustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammaticmanner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actualembodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and arenot drawn to scale.

As used herein, the term “or” refers an inclusive “or” rather than anexclusive “or.” In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thespecification and claims mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from the context to refer the singular form.

The term “tape node” refers to an adhesive tape platform or a segmentthereof that is equipped with sensor, processor, memory, energysource/harvesting mechanism, and wireless communications functionality,where the adhesive product has a variety of different form factors,including a multilayer roll or a sheet that includes a plurality ofdivisible adhesive segments. Once deployed, each tape node can function,for example, as an adhesive tape, label, sticker, decal, or the like,and as a wireless communications device. A “peripheral” tape node (alsoreferred to as an “outer” node, a “leaf” node, and “terminal” node)refers to a tape node that does not have any child nodes.

In certain contexts, the terms “parcel,” “envelope,” “box,” “package,”“container,” “pallet,” “carton,” “wrapping,” and the like are usedinterchangeably herein to refer to a packaged item or items.

This specification describes a low-cost, multi-function adhesive tapeplatform with a form factor that unobtrusively integrates the componentsuseful for implementing a combination of different logistic functionsand also is able to perform a useful ancillary function that otherwisewould have to be performed with the attendant need for additionalmaterials, labor, and expense. In an aspect, the adhesive tape platformis implemented as a collection of adhesive products that integratewireless communications and sensing components within a flexibleadhesive structure in a way that not only provides a cost-effectiveplatform for interconnecting, optimizing, and protecting the componentsof the tracking system but also maintains the flexibility needed tofunction as an adhesive product that can be deployed seamlessly andunobtrusively into various logistic applications and workflows,including person and object tracking applications, and asset managementworkflows such as manufacturing, storage, shipping, delivery, and otherlogistics associated with moving products and other physical objects,including logistics, sensing, tracking, locationing, warehousing,parking, safety, construction, event detection, road management andinfrastructure, security, and healthcare. In some examples, the adhesivetape platforms are used in various aspects of logistics management,including sealing parcels, transporting parcels, tracking parcels,monitoring the conditions of parcels, inventorying parcels, andverifying package security. In these examples, the sealed parcelstypically are transported from one location to another by truck, train,ship, or aircraft or within premises, e.g., warehouses by forklift,trolleys etc.

In disclosed examples, an adhesive tape platform includes a plurality ofsegments that can be separated from the adhesive product (e.g., bycutting, tearing, peeling, or the like) and adhesively attached to avariety of different surfaces to inconspicuously implement any of a widevariety of different wireless communications based networkcommunications and transducing (e.g., sensing, actuating, etc.)applications. Examples of such applications include: event detectionapplications, monitoring applications, security applications,notification applications, and tracking applications, includinginventory tracking, package tracking, person tracking, animal (e.g.,pet) tracking, manufactured parts tracking, and vehicle tracking. Inexample embodiments, each segment of an adhesive tape platform isequipped with an energy source, wireless communication functionality,transducing functionality, and processing functionality that enable thesegment to perform one or more transducing functions and report theresults to a remote server or other computer system directly or througha network of tapes. The components of the adhesive tape platform areencapsulated within a flexible adhesive structure that protects thecomponents from damage while maintaining the flexibility needed tofunction as an adhesive tape (e.g., duct tape or a label) for use invarious applications and workflows. In addition to single functionapplications, example embodiments also include multiple transducers(e.g., sensing and/or actuating transducers) that extend the utility ofthe platform by, for example, providing supplemental information andfunctionality relating characteristics of the state and or environmentof, for example, an article, object, vehicle, or person, over time.

Systems and processes for fabricating flexible multifunction adhesivetape platforms in efficient and low-cost ways also are described. Inaddition to using roll-to-roll and/or sheet-to-sheet manufacturingtechniques, the fabrication systems and processes are configured tooptimize the placement and integration of components within the flexibleadhesive structure to achieve high flexibility and ruggedness. Thesefabrication systems and processes are able to create useful and reliableadhesive tape platforms that can provide local sensing, wirelesstransmitting, and locationing functionalities. Such functionalitytogether with the low cost of production is expected to encourage theubiquitous deployment of adhesive tape platform segments and therebyalleviate at least some of the problems arising from gaps inconventional infrastructure coverage that prevent continuous monitoring,event detection, security, tracking, and other logistics applicationsacross heterogeneous environments.

II. Adhesive Tape Platform

FIG. 1A shows an example package 10 that is sealed for shipment using anexample adhesive tape platform 12 that includes embedded components of awireless transducing circuit 14 (collectively referred to herein as a“tape node”). In this example, a length 13 of the adhesive tape platform12 is dispensed from a roll 16 and affixed to the package 10. Theadhesive tape platform 12 includes an adhesive side 18 and anon-adhesive side 20. The adhesive tape platform 12 can be dispensedfrom the roll 16 in the same way as any conventional packing tape,shipping tape, or duct tape. For example, the adhesive tape platform 12may be dispensed from the roll 16 by hand, laid across the seam wherethe two top flaps of the package 10 meet, and cut to a suitable lengtheither by hand or using a cutting instrument (e.g., scissors or anautomated or manual tape dispenser). Examples of such tapes includetapes having non-adhesive sides 20 that carry one or more coatings orlayers (e.g., colored, light reflective, light absorbing, and/or lightemitting coatings or layers).

Referring to FIG. 1B, in some examples, the non-adhesive side 20 of thelength 13 of the adhesive tape platform 12 includes writing or othermarkings that convey instructions, warnings, or other information to aperson or machine (e.g., a bar code reader), or may simply be decorativeand/or entertaining. For example, different types of adhesive tapeplatforms may be marked with distinctive colorations to distinguish onetype of adhesive tape platform from another. In the illustrated example,the length 13 of the adhesive tape platform 12 includes atwo-dimensional bar code (e.g., a QR Code) 22, written instructions 24(i.e., “Cut Here”), and an associated cut line 26 that indicates wherethe user should cut the adhesive tape platform 12. The writteninstructions 24 and the cut line 26 typically are printed or otherwisemarked on the top non-adhesive surface 20 of the adhesive tape platform12 during manufacture. The two-dimensional bar code 22, on the otherhand, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface 20 of the adhesive tapeplatform 12 during the manufacture of the adhesive product 12 or,alternatively, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface 20 of theadhesive tape platform 12 as needed using, for example, a printer orother marking device.

In order to avoid damage to the functionality of the segments of theadhesive tape platform 12, the cut lines 26 typically demarcate theboundaries between adjacent segments at locations that are free of anyactive components of the wireless transducing circuit 14. The spacingbetween the wireless transducing circuit components 14 and the cut lines26 may vary depending on the intended communication, transducing and/oradhesive taping application. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, thelength of the adhesive tape platform 12 that is dispensed to seal thepackage 10 corresponds to a single segment of the adhesive tape platform12. In other examples, the length of the adhesive tape platform 12needed to seal a package or otherwise serve the adhesive function forwhich the adhesive tape platform 12 is being applied may includemultiple segments 13 of the adhesive tape platform 12, one or more ofwhich segments 13 may be activated upon cutting the length of theadhesive tape platform 12 from the roll 16 and/or applying the length ofthe adhesive tape platform to the package 10.

In some examples, the transducing components 14 that are embedded in oneor more segments 13 of the adhesive tape platform 12 are activated whenthe adhesive tape platform 12 is cut along the cut line 26. In theseexamples, the adhesive tape platform 12 includes one or more embeddedenergy sources (e.g., thin film batteries, which may be printed, orconventional cell batteries, such as conventional watch style batteries,rechargeable batteries, or other energy storage device, such as a supercapacitor or charge pump) that supply power to the transducingcomponents 14 in one or more segments of the adhesive tape platform 12in response to being separated from the adhesive tape platform 12 (e.g.,along the cut line 26).

In some examples, each segment 13 of the adhesive tape platform 12includes its own respective energy source including energy harvestingelements that can harvest energy from the environment. In some of theseexamples, each energy source is configured to only supply power to thecomponents in its respective adhesive tape platform segment regardlessof the number of contiguous segments 13 that are in a given length ofthe adhesive tape platform 12. In other examples, when a given length ofthe adhesive tape platform 12 includes multiple segments 13, the energysources in the respective segments 13 are configured to supply power tothe transducing components 14 in all of the segments 13 in the givenlength of the adhesive tape platform 12. In some of these examples, theenergy sources are connected in parallel and concurrently activated topower the transducing components 14 in all of the segments 13 at thesame time. In other examples, the energy sources are connected inparallel and alternately activated to power the transducing components14 in respective ones of the adhesive tape platform segments 13 atdifferent time periods, which may or may not overlap.

FIG. 2 shows an example adhesive tape platform 30 that includes a set ofadhesive tape platform segments 32 each of which includes a respectiveset of embedded wireless transducing circuit components 34, and abacking sheet 36 with a release coating that prevents the adhesivesegments 32 from adhering strongly to the backing sheet 36. Eachadhesive tape platform segment 32 includes an adhesive side facing thebacking sheet 36, and an opposing non-adhesive side 40. In this example,a particular segment 32′ of the adhesive tape platform 30 has beenremoved from the backing sheet 36 and affixed to an envelope 44. Eachsegment 32 of the adhesive tape platform 30 can be removed from thebacking sheet 36 in the same way that adhesive labels can be removedfrom a conventional sheet of adhesive labels (e.g., by manually peelinga segment 32 from the backing sheet 36). In general, the non-adhesiveside 40′ of the segment 32′ may include any type of writing, markings,decorative designs, or other ornamentation. In the illustrated example,the non-adhesive side 40′ of the segment 32′ includes writing or othermarkings that correspond to a destination address for the envelope 44.The envelope 44 also includes a return address 46 and, optionally, apostage stamp or mark 48.

In some examples, segments of the adhesive tape platform 12 are deployedby a human operator. The human operator may be equipped with a mobilephone or other device that allows the operator to authenticate andinitialize the adhesive tape platform 12. In addition, the operator cantake a picture of a parcel including the adhesive tape platform and anybarcodes associated with the parcel and, thereby, create a persistentrecord that links the adhesive tape platform 12 to the parcel. Inaddition, the human operator typically will send the picture to anetwork service and/or transmit the picture to the adhesive tapeplatform 12 for storage in a memory component of the adhesive tapeplatform 12.

In some examples, the wireless transducing circuit components 34 thatare embedded in a segment 32 of the adhesive tape platform 12 areactivated when the segment 32 is removed from the backing sheet 32. Insome of these examples, each segment 32 includes an embedded capacitivesensing system that can sense a change in capacitance when the segment32 is removed from the backing sheet 36. As explained in detail below, asegment 32 of the adhesive tape platform 30 includes one or moreembedded energy sources (e.g., thin film batteries, common disk-shapedcell batteries, or rechargeable batteries or other energy storagedevices, such as a super capacitor or charge pump) that can beconfigured to supply power to the wireless transducing circuitcomponents 34 in the segment 32 in response to the detection of a changein capacitance between the segment 32 and the backing sheet 36 as aresult of removing the segment 32 from the backing sheet 36.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the components of an example wirelesstransducing circuit 70 that includes a number of communication systems72, 74. Example communication systems 72, 74 include a GPS system thatincludes a GPS receiver circuit 82 (e.g., a receiver integrated circuit)and a GPS antenna 84, and one or more wireless communication systemseach of which includes a respective transceiver circuit 86 (e.g., atransceiver integrated circuit) and a respective antenna 88. Examplewireless communication systems include a cellular communication system(e.g., GSM/GPRS), a Wi-Fi communication system, an RF communicationsystem (e.g., LoRa), a Bluetooth communication system (e.g., a BluetoothLow Energy system), a Z-wave communication system, and a ZigBeecommunication system. The wireless transducing circuit 70 also includesa processor 90 (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), one or moreenergy storage devices 92 (e.g., non-rechargeable or rechargeableprinted flexible battery, conventional single or multiple cell battery,and/or a super capacitor or charge pump), one or more transducers 94(e.g., sensors and/or actuators, and, optionally, one or more energyharvesting transducer components). In some examples, the conventionalsingle or multiple cell battery may be a watch style disk or button cellbattery that is associated electrical connection apparatus (e.g., ametal clip) that electrically connects the electrodes of the battery tocontact pads on the flexible circuit 116.

Examples of sensing transducers 94 include a capacitive sensor, analtimeter, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a strainsensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a weight sensor, anoptical or light sensor (e.g., a photodiode or a camera), an acoustic orsound sensor (e.g., a microphone), a smoke detector, a radioactivitysensor, a chemical sensor (e.g., an explosives detector), a biosensor(e.g., a blood glucose biosensor, odor detectors, antibody basedpathogen, food, and water contaminant and toxin detectors, DNAdetectors, microbial detectors, pregnancy detectors, and ozonedetectors), a magnetic sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, and ahumidity sensor. Examples of actuating (e.g., energy emitting)transducers 94 include light emitting components (e.g., light emittingdiodes and displays), electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., audiospeakers), electric motors, and thermal radiators (e.g., an electricalresistor or a thermoelectric cooler).

In some examples, the wireless transducing circuit 70 includes a memory96 for storing data, including, e.g., profile data, state data, eventdata, sensor data, localization data, security data, and one or moreunique identifiers (ID) 98 associated with the wireless transducingcircuit 70, such as a product ID, a type ID, and a media access control(MAC) ID, and control code 99. In some examples, the memory 96 may beincorporated into one or more of the processor 90 or transducers 94, ormay be a separate component that is integrated in the wirelesstransducing circuit 70 as shown in FIG. 3. The control code typically isimplemented as programmatic functions or program modules that controlthe operation of the wireless transducing circuit 70, including a tapenode communication manager that manages the manner and timing of tapenode communications, a tape node power manager that manages powerconsumption, and a tape node connection manager that controls whetherconnections with other tape nodes are secure connections or unsecureconnections, and a tape node storage manager that securely manages thelocal data storage on the node. The tape node connection manager ensuresthe level of security required by the end application and supportsvarious encryption mechanisms. The tape node power manager and tapecommunication manager work together to optimize the battery consumptionfor data communication. In some examples, execution of the control codeby the different types of tape nodes described herein may result in theperformance of similar or different functions.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of an example flexible adhesive tapeplatform 100 that shows a first segment 102 and a portion of a secondsegment 104. Each segment 102, 104 of the flexible adhesive tapeplatform 100 includes a respective set 106, 108 of the components of thewireless transducing circuit 70. The segments 102, 104 and theirrespective sets of components 106, 108 typically are identical andconfigured in the same way. In some other embodiments, however, thesegments 102, 104 and/or their respective sets of components 106, 108are different and/or configured in different ways. For example, in someexamples, different sets of the segments of the flexible adhesive tapeplatform 100 have different sets or configurations of tracking and/ortransducing components that are designed and/or optimized for differentapplications, or different sets of segments of the flexible adhesivetape platform may have different ornamentations (e.g., markings on theexterior surface of the platform) and/or different (e.g., alternating)lengths.

An example method of fabricating the adhesive tape platform 100 (seeFIG. 4) according to a roll-to-roll fabrication process is described inconnection with FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/842,861, filed Dec. 14, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The instant specification describes an example system of adhesive tapeplatforms (also referred to herein as “tape nodes”) that can be used toimplement a low-cost wireless network infrastructure for performingmonitoring, tracking, and other logistic functions relating to, forexample, parcels, persons, tools, equipment and other physical assetsand objects. The example system includes a set of three different typesof tape nodes that have different respective functionalities anddifferent respective cover markings that visually distinguish thedifferent tape node types from one another. In one non-limiting example,the covers of the different tape node types are marked with differentcolors (e.g., white, green, and black). In the illustrated examples, thedifferent tape node types are distinguishable from one another by theirrespective wireless communications capabilities and their respectivesensing capabilities.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an examplesegment 102 of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100 that includes arespective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit 106corresponding to the first tape node type (i.e., white). The flexibleadhesive tape platform segment 102 includes an adhesive layer 112, anoptional flexible substrate 110, and an optional adhesive layer 114 onthe bottom surface of the flexible substrate 110. If the bottom adhesivelayer 114 is present, a release liner (not shown) may be (weakly)adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer 114. In someexamples, the adhesive layer 114 includes an adhesive (e.g., an acrylicfoam adhesive) that has a high bond strength that is sufficient toprevent removal of the adhesive segment 102 from a surface on which theadhesive layer 114 is adhered without destroying the physical ormechanical integrity of the adhesive segment 102 and/or one or more ofits constituent components. In some examples, the optional flexiblesubstrate 110 is implemented as a prefabricated adhesive tape thatincludes the adhesive layers 112, 114 and the optional release liner. Inother examples, the adhesive layers 112, 114 are applied to the top andbottom surfaces of the flexible substrate 110 during the fabrication ofthe adhesive tape platform 100. The adhesive layer 112 bonds theflexible substrate 110 to a bottom surface of a flexible circuit 116,that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connect theprocessor 90, a low power wireless communication interface 81 (e.g., aZigbee, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) interface, or other low powercommunication interface), a timer circuit 83, transducing and/or energyharvesting component(s) 94 (if present), the memory 96, and othercomponents in a device layer 122 to each other and to the energy storagecomponent 92 and, thereby, enable the transducing, tracking and otherfunctionalities of the flexible adhesive tape platform segment 102. Thelow power wireless communication interface 81 typically includes one ormore of the antennas 84, 88 and one or more of the wireless circuits 82,86.

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an examplesegment 103 of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100 that includes arespective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit 106corresponding to the second tape node type (i.e., green). In thisexample, the flexible adhesive tape platform segment 103 differs fromthe segment 102 shown in FIG. 5A by the inclusion of a medium powercommunication interface 85 (e.g., a LoRa interface) in addition to thelow power communications interface that is present in the first tapenode type (i.e., white). The medium power communication interface haslonger communication range than the low power communication interface.In some examples, one or more other components of the flexible adhesivetape platform segment 103 differ, for example, in functionality orcapacity (e.g., larger energy source).

FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an examplesegment 105 of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100 that includes arespective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit 106corresponding to the third tape node type (i.e., black). In thisexample, the flexible adhesive tape platform segment 105 includes a highpower communications interface 87 (e.g., a cellular interface; e.g.,GSM/GPRS) and an optional medium and/or low power communicationsinterface 85. The high power communication range provides globalcoverage to available infrastructure (e.g. the cellular network). Insome examples, one or more other components of the flexible adhesivetape platform segment 105 differ, for example, in functionality orcapacity (e.g., larger energy source).

FIGS. 5A-5C show examples in which the cover layer 128 of the flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 includes one or more interfacial regions 129positioned over one or more of the transducers 94. In examples, one ormore of the interfacial regions 129 have features, properties,compositions, dimensions, and/or characteristics that are designed toimprove the operating performance of the platform 100 for specificapplications. In some examples, the flexible adhesive tape platform 100includes multiple interfacial regions 129 over respective transducers94, which may be the same or different depending on the targetapplications. Example interfacial regions include an opening, anoptically transparent window, and/or a membrane located in theinterfacial region 129 of the cover 128 that is positioned over the oneor more transducers and/or energy harvesting components 94. Additionaldetails regarding the structure and operation of example interfacialregions 129 are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/680,716, filed Jun. 5, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/670,712, filed May 11, 2018.

In some examples, a flexible polymer layer 124 encapsulates the devicelayer 122 and thereby reduces the risk of damage that may result fromthe intrusion of contaminants and/or liquids (e.g., water) into thedevice layer 122. The flexible polymer layer 124 also planarizes thedevice layer 122. This facilitates optional stacking of additionallayers on the device layer 122 and also distributes forces generated in,on, or across the adhesive tape platform segment 102 so as to reducepotentially damaging asymmetric stresses that might be caused by theapplication of bending, torqueing, pressing, or other forces that may beapplied to the flexible adhesive tape platform segment 102 during use.In the illustrated example, a flexible cover 128 is bonded to theplanarizing polymer 124 by an adhesive layer (not shown).

The flexible cover 128 and the flexible substrate 110 may have the sameor different compositions depending on the intended application. In someexamples, one or both of the flexible cover 128 and the flexiblesubstrate 110 include flexible film layers and/or paper substrates,where the film layers may have reflective surfaces or reflective surfacecoatings. Example compositions for the flexible film layers includepolymer films, such as polyester, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), and other plastics. The optional adhesive layer on the bottomsurface of the flexible cover 128 and the adhesive layers 112, 114 onthe top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate 110 typicallyinclude a pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., a silicon-based adhesive).In some examples, the adhesive layers are applied to the flexible cover128 and the flexible substrate 110 during manufacture of the adhesivetape platform 100 (e.g., during a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheetfabrication process). In other examples, the flexible cover 128 may beimplemented by a prefabricated single-sided pressure-sensitive adhesivetape and the flexible substrate 110 may be implemented by aprefabricated double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; both kindsof tape may be readily incorporated into a roll-to-roll orsheet-to-sheet fabrication process. In some examples, the flexiblepolymer layer 124 is composed of a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone).

In some examples, the energy storage device 92 is a flexible batterythat includes a printed electrochemical cell, which includes a planararrangement of an anode and a cathode and battery contact pads. In someexamples, the flexible battery may include lithium-ion cells ornickel-cadmium electro-chemical cells. The flexible battery typically isformed by a process that includes printing or laminating theelectro-chemical cells on a flexible substrate (e.g., a polymer filmlayer). In some examples, other components may be integrated on the samesubstrate as the flexible battery. For example, the low power wirelesscommunication interface 81 and/or the processor(s) 90 may be integratedon the flexible battery substrate. In some examples, one or more of suchcomponents also (e.g., the flexible antennas and the flexibleinterconnect circuits) may be printed on the flexible battery substrate.

In some examples, the flexible circuit 116 is formed on a flexiblesubstrate by printing, etching, or laminating circuit patterns on theflexible substrate. In some examples, the flexible circuit 116 isimplemented by one or more of a single-sided flex circuit, a doubleaccess or back bared flex circuit, a sculpted flex circuit, adouble-sided flex circuit, a multi-layer flex circuit, a rigid flexcircuit, and a polymer thick film flex circuit. A single-sided flexiblecircuit has a single conductor layer made of, for example, a metal orconductive (e.g., metal filled) polymer on a flexible dielectric film. Adouble access or back bared flexible circuit has a single conductorlayer but is processed so as to allow access to selected features of theconductor pattern from both sides. A sculpted flex circuit is formedusing a multi-step etching process that produces a flex circuit that hasfinished copper conductors that vary in thickness along their respectivelengths. A multilayer flex circuit has three of more layers ofconductors, where the layers typically are interconnected using platedthrough holes. Rigid flex circuits are a hybrid construction of flexcircuit consisting of rigid and flexible substrates that are laminatedtogether into a single structure, where the layers typically areelectrically interconnected via plated through holes. In polymer thickfilm (PTF) flex circuits, the circuit conductors are printed onto apolymer base film, where there may be a single conductor layer ormultiple conductor layers that are insulated from one another byrespective printed insulating layers.

In the example flexible adhesive tape platform segments 102 shown inFIGS. 5A-5C, the flexible circuit 116 is a single access flex circuitthat interconnects the components of the adhesive tape platform on asingle side of the flexible circuit 116. In other examples, the flexiblecircuit 116 is a double access flex circuit that includes a front-sideconductive pattern that interconnects the low power communicationsinterface 81, the timer circuit 83, the processor 90, the one or moretransducers 94 (if present), and the memory 96, and allows through-holeaccess (not shown) to a back-side conductive pattern that is connectedto the flexible battery (not shown). In these examples, the front-sideconductive pattern of the flexible circuit 116 connects thecommunications circuits 82, 86 (e.g., receivers, transmitters, andtransceivers) to their respective antennas 84, 88 and to the processor90, and also connects the processor 90 to the one or more sensors 94 andthe memory 96. The backside conductive pattern connects the activeelectronics (e.g., the processor 90, the communications circuits 82, 86,and the transducers) on the front-side of the flexible circuit 116 tothe electrodes of the flexible battery 116 via one or more through holesin the substrate of the flexible circuit 116.

Depending on the target application, the wireless transducing circuits70 are distributed across the flexible adhesive tape platform 100according to a specified sampling density, which is the number ofwireless transducing circuits 70 for a given unit size (e.g., length orarea) of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100. In some examples, aset of multiple flexible adhesive tape platforms 100 are provided thatinclude different respective sampling densities in order to sealdifferent package sizes with a desired number of wireless transducingcircuits 70. In particular, the number of wireless transducing circuitsper package size is given by the product of the sampling densityspecified for the adhesive tape platform and the respective size of theadhesive tape platform 100 needed to seal the package. This allows anautomated packaging system to select the appropriate type of flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 to use for sealing a given package with thedesired redundancy (if any) in the number of wireless transducercircuits 70. In some example applications (e.g., shipping low valuegoods), only one wireless transducing circuit 70 is used per package,whereas in other applications (e.g., shipping high value goods) multiplewireless transducing circuits 70 are used per package. Thus, a flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 with a lower sampling density of wirelesstransducing circuits 70 can be used for the former application, and aflexible adhesive tape platform 100 with a higher sampling density ofwireless transducing circuits 70 can be used for the latter application.In some examples, the flexible adhesive tape platforms 100 arecolor-coded or otherwise marked to indicate the respective samplingdensities with which the wireless transducing circuits 70 aredistributed across the different types of adhesive tape platforms 100.

Some logistics applications do not require tracking and/or sensor datafor every parcel shipped. Instead, sufficient information fordecision-making can be obtained by collecting data from a sample of thepackages shipped. In these examples, a substantial reduction in shipmenttracking costs can be realized by selecting a sampling density of thedeployed wireless transducing circuits 70 that achieves a target trackedpackage sampling rate that is less than unity. In these embodiments,some packages would not be tracked or monitored. However, the samplesize can be selected to be sufficient to make inferences about apopulation of packages shipped with a desired level of accuracy.

For example, FIG. 6A shows an example length of the flexible adhesivetape platform 100 in which the sampling density is 0.5 (i.e., onewireless transducing circuit per two unit lengths 141 of the flexibleadhesive tape platform 100). In this example, assuming the unit lengthcorresponds to the length of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100needed to seal a package and the flexible adhesive tape platform 100 iscut along the dashed lines, half of the packages would be sealed with alength of the flexible adhesive platform 100 that includes wirelesstransducing circuits 70.

FIG. 6B shows an example length of the flexible adhesive tape platform100 in which the sampling density is one-third (i.e., one wirelesstransducing circuit per three unit lengths 141 of the flexible adhesivetape platform 100). In this example, assuming the unit lengthcorresponds to the length of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100needed to seal a package and the flexible adhesive tape platform 100 iscut along the dashed lines, one third of the packages would be sealedwith a length of the flexible adhesive platform 100 that includeswireless transducing circuits 70.

FIG. 6C shows an example length of the flexible adhesive tape platform100 in which the sampling density is 0.25 (i.e., one wirelesstransducing circuit per four unit lengths 141 of the flexible adhesivetape platform 100). In this example, assuming the unit lengthcorresponds to the length of the flexible adhesive tape platform 100needed to seal a package and the flexible adhesive tape platform 100 iscut along the dashed lines, one fourth of the packages be sealed with alength of the flexible adhesive platform 100 that includes wirelesstransducing circuits 70.

FIG. 6D shows an example length of the flexible adhesive tape platform100 in which the sampling density is 0.25 (i.e., one wirelesstransducing circuit per two unit lengths 141 of the flexible adhesivetape platform 100). In this example, the wireless transducing circuits70 are pseudo-randomly distributed along the length of the flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 according to a probability distribution.Assuming the unit length corresponds to the length of the flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 needed to seal a package and the flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 is cut along the dashed lines, one half ofthe packages would be sealed with a length of the flexible adhesiveplatform 100 that includes wireless transducing circuits 70.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, a plurality of wirelesstransducing circuits 70 is distributed across the continuous flexibleadhesive tape platforms 100 according to a respective sampling density.Each wireless transducing circuit 70 includes an antenna, a wirelesscommunications circuit coupled to the antenna, a transducer, acontroller electrically connected to the wireless communications circuitand the transducer, and an energy source connected to the controller,the transducer, and the wireless communications circuit. In someexamples, the wireless transducing circuits are uniform in function andcomposition. In some examples, the sampling density is the density ofwireless transducing circuits 70 as a function of a unit size of thecontinuous flexible adhesive tape platform. In some examples, thewireless transducing circuits are interspersed among regions of thecontinuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100 that are free of anywireless transducing circuits. In some applications, the wirelesstransducing circuits 70 are interspersed among the regions of thecontinuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100 that are free of anywireless transducing circuits according to a linear sampling density. Insome examples, each of the regions of the continuous flexible adhesivetape platform 100 that are free of any wireless transducing circuits 70is free of active electrical components. In other applications, thewireless transducing circuits 70 are interspersed among the regions ofthe continuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100 that are free of anywireless transducing circuits 70 according to an areal sampling density.In some examples, the wireless transducing circuits 70 are distributedat regular intervals along the continuous flexible adhesive tapeplatform 100. In some examples, the wireless transducing circuits 70 aredistributed across the continuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100according to a probability distribution. In some examples, thecontinuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100 is carried on acylindrical tape core. In some examples, the regions of the continuousflexible adhesive tape platform 100 that include wireless transducingcircuits 70 are visually indistinguishable from other regions of thecontinuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100.

In some examples, multiple different types continuous flexible adhesivetape platforms 100 are bundled together and packaged as a set. In theseexamples, the continuous flexible adhesive tape platforms 100 typicallyare carried on respective cylindrical tape cores and include respectivepluralities of wireless transducing circuits 70 distributed across therespective platforms 100 according to respective sampling densities atleast two of which are different. In some examples, a first continuousflexible adhesive tape platform 100 in the set includes a backing thatincludes a first visible marking and a second continuous flexibleadhesive tape platform includes a backing that includes a second visiblemarking that is different from the first visible marking. In someexamples, the first and second continuous flexible adhesive tapeplatforms are color-coded differently (e.g., the backing of differenttape platforms are different respective colors).

In some examples, segments of the continuous flexible adhesive tapeplatforms 100 are used to monitor or detect the states or conditions of,surrounding, or affecting parcels and their respective assets. Inaccordance with one example, unit size portions of a continuous flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 are dispensed, where the continuous flexibleadhesive tape platform 100 includes a plurality of wireless transducingcircuits 70 distributed across the platform according to a samplingdensity of wireless transducing circuits 70 as a function of the unitsize portions of the continuous flexible adhesive tape platform and thesampling density is less than 1. The dispensed portion of the continuousflexible adhesive tape platform is affixed to seal a package. A networknode of a network service (e.g., the network service 54 of an inventorymanagement system) establishes a wireless connection with the wirelesstransducing circuit 70 in the affixed dispensed portion of continuousflexible adhesive tape platform. Based on a successful establishment ofthe wireless connection with the wireless transducing circuit 70, aunique identifier of the wireless transducing circuit 70 and transducerdata from the wireless transducing circuit 70 are obtained. The obtainedtransducer data is reported in association with the unique identifier toa network node of the network 54. In some examples, the obtainedtransducer data includes geographic location data. In some examples, theobtained transducer data includes sensor data characterizing ambientconditions in the vicinity of the dispensed portion of the continuousflexible adhesive tape platform 100.

Because battery power is finite and the power needs of the adhesive tapeplatform segment for any particular application generally is unknown,some examples of the adhesive tape platform segments are preconfiguredin a low power or a powered-off state, and remain in the low power orpowered-off state until a predetermined event occurs. In some cases, thepredetermined event indicates that the adhesive tape platform segmenthas been deployed for use in the field. Example events include cutting asegment of an adhesive tape platform from a roll, bending a segment ofan adhesive tape platform as it is being peeled off of a roll,separating a segment of an adhesive tape platform from a backing sheet,and detecting a change in state of the adhesive tape platform or itsenvironment. In some examples, a label is affixed to packagingcontaining the continuous flexible adhesive tape platform 100, where thelabel carries, e.g., text, barcode, and/or wireless identifier, such asan RFID circuit, that includes an indication of the sampling density ofwireless transducing circuits 70 as a function of a unit size of thecontinuous flexible adhesive tape platform. In some examples, the unitsize corresponds to a length dimension; in other examples the unit sizecorresponds to an areal dimension.

In some examples, an adhesive tape platform includes a one-time wakecircuit that delivers power from a respective energy source to arespective wireless circuit (e.g., a circuit comprising a processor, oneor more transducers, and one or more wireless communications circuits)in response to an event that wakes the one-time wake circuit.

FIG. 7 shows a series of operations performed by an example wirelesscommunication device (e.g., an adhesive tape platform) that includes aone-time wake circuit between an energy source and each of the processorand the wireless communication system. Responsive to an event, theone-time wake circuit of the wireless communication device is woken(FIG. 7, block 322). Responsive to the waking of the one-time wakecircuit, a persistent electrical connection between the energy sourceand each of the processor and the wireless communication system iscreated (FIG. 7, block 324). By the processor, executing programmaticcode stored on at least one non-transitory processor readable mediumcomponent of the wireless communication device to perform operationsincluding controlling the wireless communication system to communicatewireless messages with one or more other network nodes during respectivecommunication windows specified in the processor readable medium (FIG.7, block 326). In some examples, the communication windows referenced inblock 326 are pre-determined and can be adaptively modified by theprocessor in an environment. In some examples, the predeterminedschedule is obtained by analyzing the battery size, the tape node powerconsumption, and the tolerable latency in communication. A mathematicalmodel is created that can be solved by the modern optimizationalgorithms (e.g., artificial intelligence, neural nets, and othermachine learning computing systems). A scheduling language is used tospecify the schedule for a set of nodes. The processor can adapt theenvironment using machine learning algorithms to optimize theperformance in a given environment.

Referring to FIG. 8A, in some examples, each of one or more of thesegments 270, 272 of a flexible adhesive tape platform 274 includes arespective one-time wake circuit 275 that delivers power from therespective energy source 276 to the respective wireless circuit 278(e.g., a processor, one or more transducers, and one or more wirelesscommunications circuits) in response to an event. In some of theseexamples, the wake circuit 275 is configured to transition from an offstate to an on state when the voltage on the wake node 277 exceeds athreshold level, at which point the wake circuit transitions to an onstate to power-on the segment 270. In the illustrated example, thisoccurs when the user separates the segment from the adhesive tapeplatform 274, for example, by cutting across the adhesive tape platform274 at a designated location (e.g., along a designated cut-line 280). Inparticular, in its initial, un-cut state, a minimal amount of currentflows through the resistors R₁ and R₂. As a result, the voltage on thewake node 277 remains below the threshold turn-on level. After the usercuts across the adhesive tape platform 274 along the designated cut-line280, the user creates an open circuit in the loop 282, which pulls thevoltage of the wake node above the threshold level and turns on the wakecircuit 275. As a result, the voltage across the energy source 276 willappear across the wireless circuit 278 and, thereby, turn on the segment270. In particular embodiments, the resistance value of resistor R₁ isgreater than the resistance value of R₂. In some examples, theresistance values of resistors R₁ and R₂ are selected based on theoverall design of the adhesive product system (e.g., the target wakevoltage level and a target leakage current).

In some examples, each of one or more of the segments of an adhesivetape platform includes a respective sensor and a respective wake circuitthat delivers power from the respective energy source to the respectiveone or more of the respective wireless circuit components 278 inresponse to an output of the sensor. In some examples, the respectivesensor is a strain sensor that produces a wake signal based on a changein strain in the respective segment. In some of these examples, thestrain sensor is affixed to a adhesive tape platform and configured todetect the stretching of the tracking adhesive tape platform segment asthe segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the adhesive tapeplatform. In some examples, the respective sensor is a capacitive sensorthat produces a wake signal based on a change in capacitance in therespective segment. In some of these examples, the capacitive sensor isaffixed to an adhesive tape platform and configured to detect theseparation of the tracking adhesive tape platform segment from a roll ora sheet of the adhesive tape platform. In some examples, the respectivesensor is a flex sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change incurvature in the respective segment. In some of these examples, the flexsensor is affixed to a adhesive tape platform and configured to detectbending of the tracking adhesive tape platform segment as the segment isbeing peeled off a roll or a sheet of the adhesive tape platform. Insome examples, the respective sensor is a near field communicationssensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in inductance inthe respective segment.

FIG. 8B shows another example of an adhesive tape platform 294 thatdelivers power from the respective energy source 276 to the respectivetracking circuit 278 (e.g., a processor, one or more transducers, andone or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event.This example is similar in structure and operation as the adhesive tapeplatform 294 shown in FIG. 8A, except that the wake circuit 275 isimplemented by a switch 296 that is configured to transition from anopen state to a closed state when the voltage on the switch node 277exceeds a threshold level. In the initial state of the adhesive tapeplatform 294, the voltage on the switch node is below the thresholdlevel as a result of the low current level flowing through the resistorsR₁ and R₂. After the user cuts across the adhesive tape platform 294along the designated cut-line 280, the user creates an open circuit inthe loop 282, which pulls up the voltage on the switch node above thethreshold level to close the switch 296 and turn on the wireless circuit278.

FIG. 8C shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional front view of an exampleadhesive tape platform 300 and a perspective view of an example package302. Instead of activating the adhesive tape platform in response toseparating a segment of the adhesive tape platform from a roll or asheet of the adhesive tape platform, this example is configured tosupply power from the energy source 302 to turn on the wirelesstransducing circuit 306 in response to establishing an electricalconnection between two power terminals 308, 310 that are integrated intothe adhesive tape platform. In particular, each segment of the adhesivetape platform 300 includes a respective set of embedded trackingcomponents, an adhesive layer 312, and an optional backing sheet 314with a release coating that prevents the segments from adhering stronglyto the backing sheet 314. In some examples, the power terminals 308, 310are composed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., a metal, suchas copper) that may be printed or otherwise patterned and/or depositedon the backside of the adhesive tape platform 300. In operation, theadhesive tape platform can be activated by removing the backing sheet314 and applying the exposed adhesive layer 312 to a surface thatincludes an electrically conductive region 316. In the illustratedembodiment, the electrically conductive region 316 is disposed on aportion of the package 302. When the adhesive backside of the adhesivetape platform 300 is adhered to the package with the exposed terminals308, 310 aligned and in contact with the electrically conductive region316 on the package 302, an electrical connection is created through theelectrically conductive region 316 between the exposed terminals 308,310 that completes the circuit and turns on the wireless transducingcircuit 306. In particular embodiments, the power terminals 308, 310 areelectrically connected to any respective nodes of the wirelesstransducing circuit 306 that would result in the activation of thetracking circuit 306 in response to the creation of an electricalconnection between the power terminals 308, 310.

In some examples, after a tape node is turned on, it will communicatewith the network service to confirm that the user/operator who isassociated with the tape node is an authorized user who hasauthenticated himself or herself to the network service 54. In theseexamples, if the tape node cannot confirm that the user/operator is anauthorized user, the tape node will turn itself off.

III. Deployment of Tape Nodes

FIG. 9 shows an example network communications environment 400 thatincludes a network 402 that supports communications between one or moreservers 404 executing one or more applications of a network service 408,mobile gateways 410, 412, a stationary gateway 414, and various types oftape nodes that are associated with various assets (e.g., parcels,equipment, tools, persons, and other things). In some examples, thenetwork 402 includes one or more network communication systems andtechnologies, including any one or more of wide area networks, localarea networks, public networks (e.g., the internet), private networks(e.g., intranets and extranets), wired networks, and wireless networks.For example, the network 402 includes communications infrastructureequipment, such as a geolocation satellite system 416 (e.g., GPS,GLONASS, and NAVSTAR), cellular communication systems (e.g., GSM/GPRS),Wi-Fi communication systems, RF communication systems (e.g., LoRa),Bluetooth communication systems (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy system),Z-wave communication systems, and ZigBee communication systems.

In some examples, the one or more network service applications 406leverage the above-mentioned communications technologies to create ahierarchical wireless network of tape nodes that improves assetmanagement operations by reducing costs and improving efficiency in awide range of processes, from asset packaging, asset transporting, assettracking, asset condition monitoring, asset inventorying, and assetsecurity verification. Communication across the network is secured by avariety of different security mechanisms. In the case of existinginfrastructure, a communication link the communication uses theinfrastructure security mechanisms. In case of communications amongtapes nodes, the communication is secured through a custom securitymechanism. In certain cases, tape nodes can also be configured tosupport block chain to protect the transmitted and stored data.

A set of tape nodes can be configured by the network service 408 tocreate hierarchical communications network. The hierarchy can be definedin terms of one or more factors, including functionality (e.g., wirelesstransmission range or power), role (e.g., master tape node vs.peripheral tape node), or cost (e.g., a tape node equipped with acellular transceiver vs. a peripheral tape node equipped with aBluetooth LE transceiver). Tape nodes can be assigned to differentlevels of a hierarchical network according to one or more of theabove-mentioned factors. For example, the hierarchy can be defined interms of communication range or power, where tape nodes with higherpower or longer communication range transceivers are arranged at ahigher level of the hierarchy than tape nodes with lower power or lowerrange transceivers. In another example, the hierarchy is defined interms of role, where, e.g., a master tape node is programmed to bridgecommunications between a designated group of peripheral tape nodes and agateway node or server node. The problem of finding an optimalhierarchical structure can be formulated as an optimization problem withbattery capacity of nodes, power consumption in various modes ofoperation, desired latency, external environment, etc. and can be solvedusing modern optimization methods e.g. neural networks, artificialintelligence, and other machine learning computing systems that takeexpected and historical data to create an optimal solution and cancreate algorithms for modifying the system's behavior adaptively in thefield.

The tape nodes may be deployed by automated equipment or manually. Inthis process, a tape node typically is separated from a roll or sheetand adhered to a parcel, or other stationary or mobile object (e.g., astructural element of a warehouse, or a vehicle, such as a deliverytruck) or stationary object (e.g., a structural element of a building).This process activates the tape node and causes the tape node tocommunicate with a server 404 of the network service 408. In thisprocess, the tape node may communicate through one or more other tapenodes in the communication hierarchy. In this process, the networkserver 404 executes the network service application 406 toprogrammatically configure tape nodes that are deployed in theenvironment 400. In some examples, there are multiple classes or typesof tape nodes, where each tape node class has a different respective setof functionalities and/or capacities.

In some examples, the one or more network service servers 404communicate over the network 402 with one or more gateways that areconfigured to send, transmit, forward, or relay messages to the network402 and activated tape nodes that are associated with respective assetsand within communication range. Example gateways include mobile gateways410, 412 and a stationary gateway 414. In some examples, the mobilegateways 410, 412, and the stationary gateway 414 are able tocommunicate with the network 402 and with designated sets or groups oftape nodes.

In some examples, the mobile gateway 412 is a vehicle (e.g., a deliverytruck or other mobile hub) that includes a wireless communications unit416 that is configured by the network service 408 to communicate with adesignated set of tape nodes, including a peripheral tape node 418 inthe form of a label that is adhered to an asset 420 contained within aparcel 421 (e.g., an envelope), and is further configured to communicatewith the network service 408 over the network 402. In some examples, theperipheral tape node 418 includes a lower power wireless communicationsinterface of the type used in, e.g., tape node 102 (shown in FIG. 5A),and the wireless communications unit 416 is implemented by a tape node(e.g., one of tape node 103 or tape node 105, respectively shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C) that includes a lower power communications interfacefor communicating with tape nodes within range of the mobile gateway 412and a higher power communications interface for communicating with thenetwork 402. In this way, the tape nodes 418 and 416 create ahierarchical wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding,bridging, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to,between, or on behalf of the peripheral tape node 418 and the networkservice 408 in a power-efficient and cost-effective way.

In some examples, the mobile gateway 410 is a mobile phone that isoperated by a human operator and executes a client application 422 thatis configured by the network service 408 to communicate with adesignated set of tape nodes, including a master tape node 424 that isadhered to a parcel 426 (e.g., a box), and is further configured tocommunicate with the network service 408 over the network 402. In theillustrated example, the parcel 426 contains a first parcel labeled orsealed by a tape node 428 and containing a first asset 430, and a secondparcel labeled or sealed by a tape node 432 and containing a secondasset 434. As explained in detail below, the master tape node 424communicates with each of the peripheral tape nodes 428, 432 andcommunicates with the mobile gateway 408 in accordance with ahierarchical wireless network of tape nodes. In some examples, each ofthe peripheral tape nodes 428, 432 includes a lower power wirelesscommunications interface of the type used in, e.g., tape node 102 (shownin FIG. 5A), and the master tape node 424 is implemented by a tape node(e.g., tape node 103, shown in FIG. 5B) that includes a lower powercommunications interface for communicating with the peripheral tapenodes 428, 432 contained within the parcel 426, and a higher powercommunications interface for communicating with the mobile gateway 410.The master tape node 424 is operable to relay wireless communicationsbetween the tape nodes 428, 432 contained within the parcel 426 and themobile gateway 410, and the mobile gateway 410 is operable to relaywireless communications between the master tape node 424 and the networkservice 408 over the wireless network 402. In this way, the master tapenode 424 and the peripheral tape nodes 428 and 432 create a hierarchicalwireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, orotherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf ofthe peripheral tape nodes 428, 432 and the network service 408 in apower-efficient and cost-effective way.

In some examples, the stationary gateway 414 is implemented by a serverexecuting a server application that is configured by the network service408 to communicate with a designated set 440 of tape nodes 442, 444,446, 448 that are adhered to respective parcels containing respectiveassets 450, 452, 454, 456 on a pallet 458. In other examples, thestationary gateway 414 is implemented by a tape node (e.g., one of tapenode 103 or tape node 105, respectively shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C) thatis adhered to, for example, a wall, column or other infrastructurecomponent of the environment 400, and includes a lower powercommunications interface for communicating with tape nodes within rangeof the stationary gateway 414 and a higher power communicationsinterface for communicating with the network 402. In one embodiment,each of the tape nodes 442-448 is a peripheral tape node and isconfigured by the network service 408 to communicate individually withthe stationary gateway 414, which relays communications from the tapenodes 442-448 to the network service 408 through the stationary gateway414 and over the communications network 402. In another embodiment, oneof the tape nodes 442-448 at a time is configured as a master tape nodethat transmits, forwards, relays, or otherwise communicate wirelessmessages to, between, or on behalf of the other tape nodes on the pallet458. In this embodiment, the master tape node may be determined by thetape nodes 442-448 or designated by the network service 408. In someexamples, the tape node with the longest range or highest remainingpower level is determined to be the master tape node. In some examples,when the power level of the current master tape node drops below acertain level (e.g., a fixed power threshold level or a threshold levelrelative to the power levels of one or more of the other tape nodes),another one of the tape nodes assumes the role of the master tape node.In some examples, a master tape node 459 is adhered to the pallet 458and is configured to perform the role of a master node for the tapenodes 442-448. In these ways, the tape nodes 442-448, 458 areconfigurable to create different hierarchical wireless networks of nodesfor transmitting, forwarding, relaying, bridging, or otherwisecommunicating wireless messages with the network service 408 through thestationary gateway 414 and over the network 402 in a power-efficient andcost-effective way.

In the illustrated example, the stationary gateway 414 also isconfigured by the network service 408 to communicate with a designatedset of tape nodes, including a master tape node 460 that is adhered tothe inside of a door 462 of a shipping container 464, and is furtherconfigured to communicate with the network service 408 over the network402. In the illustrated example, the shipping container 464 contains anumber of parcels labeled or sealed by respective peripheral tape nodes466 and containing respective assets. The master tape node 416communicates with each of the peripheral tape nodes 466 and communicateswith the stationary gateway 415 in accordance with a hierarchicalwireless network of tape nodes. In some examples, each of the peripheraltape nodes 466 includes a lower power wireless communications interfaceof the type used in, e.g., tape node 102 (shown in FIG. 5A), and themaster tape node 460 is implemented by a tape node (e.g., tape node 103,shown in FIG. 5B) that includes a lower power communications interfacefor communicating with the peripheral tape nodes 466 contained withinthe shipping container 464, and a higher power communications interfacefor communicating with the stationary gateway 414.

In some examples, when the doors of the shipping container 464 areclosed, the master tape node 460 is operable to communicate wirelesslywith the peripheral tape nodes 466 contained within the shippingcontainer 464. In an example, the master tape node 460 is configured tocollect sensor data from the peripheral tape nodes and, in someembodiments, process the collected data to generate, for example, one ormore histograms from the collected data. When the doors of the shippingcontainer 464 are open, the master tape node 460 is programmed to detectthe door opening (e.g., with an accelerometer component of the mastertape node 460) and, in addition to reporting the door opening event tothe network service 408, the master tape node 460 is further programmedto transmit the collected data and/or the processed data in one or morewireless messages to the stationary gateway 414. The stationary gateway414, in turn, is operable to transmit the wireless messages receivedfrom the master tape node 460 to the network service 408 over thewireless network 402. Alternatively, in some examples, the stationarygateway 414 also is operable to perform operations on the data receivedfrom the master tape node 460 with the same type of data produced by themaster node 459 based on sensor data collected from the tape nodes442-448. In this way, the master tape node 460 and the peripheral tapenodes 466 create a hierarchical wireless network of nodes fortransmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wirelessmessages to, between, or on behalf of the peripheral tape nodes 466 andthe network service 408 in a power-efficient and cost-effective way.

In an example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, there are three classesof tape nodes: a short range tape node, a medium range tape node, and along range tape node, as respectively shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. The shortrange tape nodes typically are adhered directly to parcels containingassets. In the illustrated example, the tape nodes 418, 428, 432,442-448, 466 are short range tape nodes. The short range tape nodestypically communicate with a low power wireless communication protocol(e.g., Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, or Z-wave). The medium range tape nodestypically are adhered to objects (e.g., a box 426 and a shippingcontainer 460) that are associated with multiple parcels that areseparated from the medium range tape nodes by a barrier or a largedistance. In the illustrated example, the tape nodes 424 and 460 aremedium range tape nodes. The medium range tape nodes typicallycommunicate with a medium power wireless communication protocol (e.g.,LoRa or Wi-Fi). The long-range tape nodes typically are adhered tomobile or stationary infrastructure of the wireless communicationenvironment 400. In the illustrated example, the mobile gateway tapenode 412 and the stationary gateway tape node 414 are long range tapenodes. The long range tape nodes typically communicate with other nodesusing a high power wireless communication protocol (e.g., a cellulardata communication protocol). In some examples, the mobile gateway tapenode 436 is adhered to a mobile vehicle (e.g., a truck). In theseexamples, the mobile gateway 412 may be moved to different locations inthe environment 400 to assist in connecting other tape nodes to theserver 404. In some examples, the stationary gateway tape node 414 maybe attached to a stationary structure (e.g., a wall) in the environment400 with a known geographic location. In these examples, other tapenodes in the environment can determine their geographic location byquerying the gateway tape node 414.

FIG. 10 shows an example hierarchical wireless communications network oftape nodes 470. In this example, the short range tape node 472 and themedium range tape node 474 communicate with one another over theirrespective low power wireless communication interfaces 476, 478. Themedium range tape node 474 and the long range tape node 480 communicatewith one another over their respective medium power wirelesscommunication interfaces 478, 482. The long range tape node 480 and thenetwork server 404 communicate with one another over the high powerwireless communication interface 484. In some examples, the low powercommunication interfaces 476, 478 establish wireless communications withone another in accordance with the Bluetooth LE protocol, the mediumpower communication interfaces 452, 482 establish wirelesscommunications with one another in accordance with the LoRacommunications protocol, and the high power communication interface 484establishes wireless communications with the server 404 in accordancewith a cellular communications protocol.

In some examples, the different types of tape nodes are deployed atdifferent levels in the communications hierarchy according to theirrespective communications ranges, with the long range tape nodesgenerally at the top of the hierarchy, the medium range tape nodesgenerally in the middle of the hierarchy, and the short range tape nodesgenerally at the bottom of the hierarchy. In some examples, thedifferent types of tape nodes are implemented with different featuresets that are associated with component costs and operational costs thatvary according to their respective levels in the hierarchy. This allowssystem administrators flexibility to optimize the deployment of the tapenodes to achieve various objectives, including cost minimization, assettracking, asset localization, and power conservation.

In some examples, a server 404 of the network service 408 designates atape node at a higher level in a hierarchical communications network asa master node of a designated set of tape nodes at a lower level in thehierarchical communications network. For example, the designated mastertape node may be adhered to a parcel (e.g., a box, pallet, or shippingcontainer) that contains one or more tape nodes that are adhered to oneor more packages containing respective assets. In order to conservepower, the tape nodes typically communicate according the a schedulepromulgated by the server 404 of the network service 408. The scheduleusually dictates all aspects of the communication, including the timeswhen particular tape nodes should communicate, the mode ofcommunication, and the contents of the communication. In one example,the server 404 transmits programmatic Global Scheduling DescriptionLanguage (GSDL) code to the master tape node and each of the lower-leveltape nodes in the designated set. In this example, execution of the GSDLcode causes each of the tape nodes in the designated set to connect tothe master tape node at a different respective time that is specified inthe GSDL code, and to communicate a respective set of one or more datapackets of one or more specified types of information over therespective connection. In some examples, the master tape node simplyforwards the data packets to the server network node 404, eitherdirectly or indirectly through a gateway tape node (e.g., the long rangetape node 416 adhered to the mobile vehicle 412 or the long range tapenode 414 adhered to an infrastructure component of the environment 400).In other examples, the master tape node processes the informationcontained in the received data packets and transmits the processedinformation to the server network node 404.

FIG. 11 shows an example method of creating a hierarchicalcommunications network. In accordance with this method, a first tapenode is adhered to a first parcel in a set of associated parcels, thefirst tape node including a first type of wireless communicationinterface and a second type of wireless communication interface having alonger range than the first type of wireless communication interface(FIG. 11, block 490). A second tape node is adhered to a second parcelin the set, the second tape node including the first type of wirelesscommunication interface, wherein the second tape node is operable tocommunicate with the first tape node over a wireless communicationconnection established between the first type of wireless communicationinterfaces of the first and second tape nodes (FIG. 11, block 492). Anapplication executing on a computer system (e.g., a server 404 of anetwork service 408) establishes a wireless communication connectionwith the second type of wireless communication interface of the firsttape node, and the application transmits programmatic code executable bythe first tape node to function as a master tape node with respect tothe second tape node (FIG. 11, block 494).

Additional cost reductions can be achieved through the use of samplingtapes. As explained above in connection with FIGS. 6A-6D, some logisticsapplications do not require tracking and/or sensor data for every parcelshipped. Instead, sufficient information for decision-making can beobtained by collecting data from a sample of the packages shipped. Inthese examples, a substantial reduction in tape node costs can berealized by selecting a sampling density of the deployed wirelesstransducing circuits 70 that achieves a target tracked package samplingrate that is less than unity. In these embodiments, some packages wouldnot be tracked or monitored. However, the sample size can be selected tobe sufficient to make inferences about a group of packages shipped witha desired level of accuracy.

IV. Scheduling Communications

As explained above, in some examples, the active components of theadhesive tape platform are activated (e.g., connected to the embeddedpower source) when a segment of the adhesive tape platform is cut (e.g.,along a cut line) or when a segment of the adhesive tape platform isremoved from a backing sheet. In these examples, there is no off-switchor sleep switch; instead, the resulting tape nodes remain activateduntil their respective power sources are depleted, at which point thepower sources no longer power the active components thereby renderingthe tape nodes non-functional until the power sources are replenished(e.g., by wireless charging, capacitive charging, or energy harvesting).

Although the tape nodes are relatively inexpensive compared to existingnetwork technologies, it is still possible to manage and ideally reduceoperational costs (e.g., wireless communications costs, such as cellularservice costs) and maintenance costs (e.g., tape node and otherinfrastructure replacement costs). To this end, the network service 408generates wireless transmission schedules specifying the times orconditions when the tape nodes at one level in the communicationhierarchy should transmit their data packets up to the next level in thecommunication hierarchy. In this way, tape node power is conserved andwireless subscription usage is reduced compared to existing approaches.The problem of finding an optimal schedule can be formulated as anoptimization problem with battery capacity of nodes, power consumptionin various modes of operation, desired latency, external environmentetc. and can be solved using modern optimization methods e.g. neuralnetworks, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning computingsystems that take expected and historical data to create an optimalsolution and can create algorithms for modifying the schedule adaptivelyin the field.

In some examples, the communications are scheduled using a subset of thecontrol code that is referred to herein as the “Global SchedulingDescription Language” (GSDL) code. In these examples, the server 404 isconfigured to transmit a respective subset of the GSDL code to each tapenode, where the respective GDSL code is stored in the standalone memory96 and/or a memory component of the processor 90 in the respectivewireless transducer circuit 70 of the respective tape node (see, e.g.,FIG. 3). The GDSL code that is stored in memory is executed by theprocessor 90 of the tape node to programmatically perform one or moreoperations or tasks according to a specific schedule based on, forexample, a specified time or upon satisfaction of one or more conditionsor occurrence of one or more events.

The following is pseudo-code for an example of a GSDL programmaticcontrol language instruction:

-   -   Take Action (X1, X2, . . . , XN) on Trigger (Y1, Y2, . . . , YM)        where (X1, X2, . . . , XN) refer to a sequence of one or more        actions that the tape node will take in response to satisfaction        of the one or more triggers (Y1, Y2, . . . , YM). A specific        pseudo-code example of the GSDL code: Transmit Alarm_Type_1 on        Measurement of Average_Temperature>65.0 degrees Fahrenheit from        30 measurements once per second for 30 seconds. Another        pseudo-code example of the GSDL code: Transmit Temperatures of        Box_1567 on Trigger GSP of Tape_Node_4357 is less than 5        kilometers away from Port_Y.

In general, the Action can be any action that can be performed by one ormore components of a tape node, including one or more of the followingactions: obtain data from a sensor; generate physical stimulus locallywith a transducer component of the tape node; and transmit data packetsto the network service. For example, a tape node may transmit a genericor type-specific alarm condition packet to the network service. Inanother example, a tape node may generate an alarm sound from a speakercomponent of the tape node or generate a flashing light from a lightsource component of the tape node. The trigger can be, for example, anytype of phenomenon, data, or event that a tape node can determine,detect, or otherwise respond to, including one or more of the followingtriggers: time; event frequency; temperature; acceleration;deceleration; geographic location (e.g., GPS coordinates); and eventsassociated with other tape nodes.

In a one example, a particular tape node includes a sensor (e.g., atemperature sensor) and the processor 90 executes programmatic GSDL codestored in a memory component of the particular tape node to activate thetemperature sensor at a first time (e.g., 8 am PST) and record thesensed temperature data in memory 96 for a specified duration (e.g., 30seconds) or a specified number of samples. At a second specified time(e.g., 11 pm PST), the processor 90 executes programmatic GSDL code toestablish a connection with another node (e.g., a master tape node 424,460 or a gateway 412, 420) that is configured to relay (or bridge) thedata packets from the tape node to the network service 408, and thentransmit one or more data packets containing the sensed temperature datato the network service 408 over the established connection.

In some examples, one or more human operators deploy tape nodes, gatewaynodes, and other network communication infrastructure in a particularvenue (e.g., a warehouse, a port, a loading dock, or other logisticlocation). In some examples, the network service 408 initializes arespective network for each venue by distributing portions of GSDL codeto the respective nodes in the network, including peripheral tape nodes,medium range master tape nodes, long range master tape nodes, and mastergateway nodes. In this process, one or more servers 404 of the networkservice 408 directs the transmission of the GSDL code portions throughthe network hierarchy from the top level nodes down to the bottom levelperipheral nodes, where designated master nodes at the higher levels inthe hierarchy manage and distribute the GSDL code portions to respectivedesignated subsets of the nodes at lower levels in the hierarchy. TheGSDL code portions program the nodes in the hierarchical communicationsnetwork with respective schedules of all the communication andprocessing events that are relevant to the particular nodes. In thisway, the network service 408 schedules all the events globally anddirects the distribution of the respective GSDL code portions locally toeach of the nodes through one or more master nodes at higher levels inthe hierarchy. The network service 408 also can transmit GSDL code thatchanges, modifies or deletes the existing programmatic schedule ofevents for a particular node (e.g., when the schedule for the particularnode changes).

After the GSDL code portions have been distributed to the respectivenodes, the nodes typically synchronize their respective clocks and/ortimers. The clocks and timers may be synchronized in any of a variety ofconventional ways, including transmitting a periodic heartbeatcommunication between nodes (e.g., between a master node and one or moreperipheral nodes in a designated logistic group), sending a series ofpackets containing synchronizing time stamp data for other nodes, andexchanging time stamps to determine and correct delays between nodes.

In one example, a master tape node associated with peripheral tape nodesin a designated logistic group (e.g., tape nodes adhered to respectiveparcels in a grouped set being shipped to the same destination) isconfigured to detect improper removals from the logistic group. In thisexample, the master tape node detects the presence of each peripheraltape node in the logistic group by transmitting ping packets to theperipheral tape nodes according to a schedule prescribed in theprogrammatic GSDL code portions installed in the memory of the mastertape node (e.g., once every 10 minutes or every hour). If a peripheraltape node in the designated logistic group does not respond to a numberof ping packets specified in the GSDL code portion stored in the mastertape node, the master tape node logs the ID of the non-responsiveperipheral tape node in its memory and reports the non-responsiveperipheral tape node to a node at the next higher level in thecommunications hierarchy.

In another example, a master tape node associated with a designatedlogistic group of peripheral tape nodes is configured to detect improperconsolidations into the logistic group. In this example, the master tapenode periodically (e.g., every 10 minutes over every hour) sends a pingpacket to each of the peripheral tape nodes and receives responsepackets from the pinged peripheral tape nodes according to a scheduleprescribed in the programmatic GSDL code portions downloaded to themaster and peripheral tape nodes. If the master tape node receives aresponse packet from a peripheral tape node that is not in thedesignated logistic group, the master tape node logs information thatidentifies the peripheral tape node in memory and reports the improperinclusion of the identified peripheral tape node a node at the nexthigher level in the communications hierarchy.

In some examples, tape nodes are configured to switch roles from aperipheral tape node to a master tape node and vice versa in response toparticular criteria defined in their respective GSDL code portions. Inthese examples, a designated logistic group consists of a current mastertape node and one or more peripheral tape nodes. In an example, the tapenodes are adhered to respective parcels in a grouped set being shippedto the same destination. The current master tape node periodically(e.g., every 10 minutes over every hour) sends a ping packet to each ofthe peripheral tape nodes in the logistic group and receives responsepackets from the pinged peripheral tape nodes according to a scheduleprescribed in the programmatic GSDL code portions downloaded to themaster and peripheral tape nodes. The current master tape node logsinformation that identifies peripheral tape nodes that fail to respondto a designated number of pings and responses from peripheral tape nodesthat are not identified in the designated logistic group. The currentmaster tape node also periodically queries the battery levels of theperipheral tape nodes in the logistic group and reports the batterylevels of the peripheral tape nodes as well as its own battery level toa server 404 of the network service 408. Based on the respective batterylevels of the tape nodes, the network service 408 determines whether todemote the current master tape node to a peripheral tape node role andpromote one of the peripheral tape nodes to the current master tape noderole. In an example, the network service 408 demotes the current mastertape node to peripheral tape node status if its battery level is below20% of its original capacity and promotes the peripheral tape node thathas the higher battery level greater than 20% to master node status. Inanother example, the network service 408 designates the tape node havingthe highest battery level as the current master tape node.

V. Distributed Data Processing

As explained above, once they are deployed and initialized, the tapenodes constitute a hierarchical sensor network that includes a bottomlevel of peripheral tape nodes that typically are associated with andconfigured with respective sensors to monitor respective assets (e.g.,parcels, persons, tools, equipment, infrastructure, and other physicalassets and objects), and additionally includes one or more higher levelsof tape nodes (e.g., master tape nodes and gateways) that are configuredto communicate with the lower level nodes and also may be configuredwith respective sensors.

In some examples, after collecting sensor data according to itsinstalled GSDL code, a sensor tape node will transmit the collected datain one or more data packets to a server node 404 of the network service408 through one or more tape nodes at one or more higher levels in thecommunications hierarchy. In these examples, the one or more servernetwork nodes 404 of the network service 408 processes the received datato generate analytics providing visibility at different levels in thehierarchical sensor network. However, in order to achieve real-time ornear real-time monitoring performance, this approach requires each tapenode to transmit a significant amount of data, which imposes asignificant drain on the tape nodes power sources that significantlyreduces the lives of the tape nodes.

In other examples, the tape nodes themselves are capable of processingsensor data and aggregating the processed sensor data locally, therebysignificantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmittedby the tape nodes and greatly extending their useful lifetimes. In anexample, a peripheral tape node collects a set of sensor data of aparticular type (e.g., location, capacitance, altitude, orientation,acceleration, temperature, strain, pressure, shock, vibration, weight,light, sound, smoke, radioactivity, chemicals, magnetism,electromagnetism, and humidity). The peripheral tape node processes(e.g., aggregates) the collected data to generate a compressedrepresentation of the data, for example, a histogram of the processeddata over a range variable (e.g., time, location, parcel identifier,tape node type, etc.). Instead of transmitting the original collecteddata, the peripheral tape node transmits the compressed representationof the processed data (e.g., the range values and bin counts) to theassociated master node at the next level up in the communicationhierarchy (e.g., the box, pallet, or container level). The master node,in turn, combines the compressed representations of the data collectedfrom multiple of the associated peripheral tape nodes to generateanalytics at the box, pallet, or container level. The aggregationprocess continues up through the hierarchy to obtain visibility intoeach level. In addition to transmission of the compressed data up in thehierarchy for decision-making at higher hierarchical levels, each tapenode is also capable of analyzing the collected data, compressing theresults, and making certain decisions locally within the node. In someexamples, a tape node calculates statistics from the collected data,analyzes the calculated statistics against one or more criteria, andtakes an action in response to the results of the analysis. For example,the tape node may produce a audible alarm of transmit an alarm datapacket to the network service 408 in response to a determination thatthere has been a temperature violation with respective to a particularparcel.

FIG. 12 shows an example process by which multiple tape nodes performdistributed computing of sensor data. Each peripheral tape node collectssensor data characterizing its respective ambient environment (FIG. 12,block 510). Each peripheral tape node processes the respective data thatit collected to generate a respective compressed representation of thecollected data (FIG. 12, block 512). In some examples, one or more ofthe tape nodes are programmed to autonomously take one or more actionsbased on an analysis of the processed data (FIG. 12, block 513). Eachperipheral tape node communicates one or more wireless messagesincluding the respective compressed representation to a designatedmaster tape node at a higher level in the hierarchical communicationnetwork (FIG. 12, block 514). The designated master tape node processesthe compressed representation received from each of the multipleperipheral tape nodes into a single representation (FIG. 12, block 516).

Tape nodes may be configured to generate statistics for phenomena otherthan the ambient conditions of parcels and other containment units. Insome examples, a master tape node generates analytics regarding impropersplits or separations from designated logistic groups of tape nodes andimproper consolidations into designated logistic groups of tape nodes.In an example, a master tape node associated with multiple designatedlogistic groups of peripheral tape nodes generates analytics (e.g., thefrequency of improper splits or separations of assets from thedesignated logistic group) for a particular logistic entity. In anotherexample, a master tape node is associated with multiple designatedlogistic groups of peripheral tape nodes generates analytics (e.g., thefrequency of improper consolidation of assets with the designatedlogistic group) for a particular logistic entity.

FIG. 13 shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus 320 that,either alone or in combination with one or more other computingapparatus, is operable to implement one or more of the computer systemsdescribed in this specification.

The computer apparatus 320 includes a processing unit 322, a systemmemory 324, and a system bus 326 that couples the processing unit 322 tothe various components of the computer apparatus 320. The processingunit 322 may include one or more data processors, each of which may bein the form of any one of various commercially available computerprocessors. The system memory 324 includes one or more computer-readablemedia that typically are associated with a software applicationaddressing space that defines the addresses that are available tosoftware applications. The system memory 324 may include a read onlymemory (ROM) that stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) thatcontains start-up routines for the computer apparatus 320, and a randomaccess memory (RAM). The system bus 326 may be a memory bus, aperipheral bus or a local bus, and may be compatible with any of avariety of bus protocols, including PCI, VESA, Microchannel, ISA, andEISA. The computer apparatus 320 also includes a persistent storagememory 328 (e.g., a hard drive, a floppy drive, a CD ROM drive, magnetictape drives, flash memory devices, and digital video disks) that isconnected to the system bus 326 and contains one or morecomputer-readable media disks that provide non-volatile or persistentstorage for data, data structures and computer-executable instructions.

A user may interact (e.g., input commands or data) with the computerapparatus 320 using one or more input devices 330 (e.g. one or morekeyboards, computer mice, microphones, cameras, joysticks, physicalmotion sensors, and touch pads). Information may be presented through agraphical user interface (GUI) that is presented to the user on adisplay monitor 332, which is controlled by a display controller 334.The computer apparatus 320 also may include other input/output hardware(e.g., peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer). Thecomputer apparatus 320 connects to other network nodes through a networkadapter 336 (also referred to as a “network interface card” or NIC).

A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory 324,including application programming interfaces 338 (APIs), an operatingsystem (OS) 340 (e.g., the Windows® operating system available fromMicrosoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. U.S.A.), software applications341 including one or more software applications programming the computerapparatus 320 to perform one or more of the steps, tasks, operations, orprocesses of the locationing and/or tracking systems described herein,drivers 342 (e.g., a GUI driver), network transport protocols 344, anddata 346 (e.g., input data, output data, program data, a registry, andconfiguration settings).

Examples of the subject matter described herein, including the disclosedsystems, methods, processes, functional operations, and logic flows, canbe implemented in data processing apparatus (e.g., computer hardware anddigital electronic circuitry) operable to perform functions by operatingon input and generating output. Examples of the subject matter describedherein also can be tangibly embodied in software or firmware, as one ormore sets of computer instructions encoded on one or more tangiblenon-transitory carrier media (e.g., a machine readable storage device,substrate, or sequential access memory device) for execution by dataprocessing apparatus.

The details of specific implementations described herein may be specificto particular embodiments of particular inventions and should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of any claimed invention. Forexample, features that are described in connection with separateembodiments may also be incorporated into a single embodiment, andfeatures that are described in connection with a single embodiment mayalso be implemented in multiple separate embodiments. In addition, thedisclosure of steps, tasks, operations, or processes being performed ina particular order does not necessarily require that those steps, tasks,operations, or processes be performed in the particular order; instead,in some cases, one or more of the disclosed steps, tasks, operations,and processes may be performed in a different order or in accordancewith a multi-tasking schedule or in parallel.

VI. Security and Tape Infrastructure

As mentioned earlier, communications among tapes nodes, thecommunication is secured through a custom security mechanism. In certaincases, tape nodes can also be configured to support block chain toprotect the transmitted and stored data. However, the Block Chainimplementation differs from the conventional block chain used in theindustry e.g. Crypto Currency. Tape application uses a concept ofdistributed block-chains. The components of distributed block chains aredescribed below.

1. Parallel Non-Communicating Block Chains of Independent Clusters ofTransactions

Standard block chains needs to store the complete transaction history(distributed across all nodes) because the final balances for eachpublic key depend on the cumulative effect of all previous transactions.This causes significant memory issues if you want to apply the standardblock chain in tape application. However, unlike the currencyapplication, not every transaction is dependent upon each other in a waythat affects the cumulative outcome.

In the Tape environment, we define a graph where the nodes aretransactions among tapes and the edges define dependencies between thesetransactions. For example, transactions can have dependencies becausethe underlying process competes for the same resources (e.g., acontainer). However, instead of defining the graph with each tape beinga node, we identify cluster of tapes that are independent using graphalgorithm and define the nodes of the graphs to be clusters. Everycluster will need to have a certain number of nodes though to haveenough cross checking within the distributed network. Example of acluster is a trucker loads 5 boxes, then the trucker unloads 3 boxes atlocation A and then unloads 1 box in location B and then claims no boxesleft. An improved algorithm would be to define the independent clustersof minimal number of nodes for cross checking effectiveness as done instandard packing algorithms.

2. Block Chain Transaction Time Arbitrage & Block Queue

Block chain in the traditional applications (e.g. Crypto Currencies) isoptimized for transaction completion time, which relies on the proof ofwork of the whole network as a way to beat any individual hacker, andhence requires a lot of time. This is important in those applicationsbecause it is a currency (time=money; trading). Moreover, you want toprevent double spending (so you need to wait till the distributednetwork of chain copies are stabilized and everybody agrees before youallow spending the money you just received).

However, in tape application, transaction time is actually lessimportant as long as we queue them up and secure them against hackers(which can be done using basic encryption onboard of our tape). Theactual mining to tie the transactions into a chain (i.e., thecomputational intensive part) and stabilize the distributed network canbe done at a time when the cost of doing these activities is cheaper (interms of battery life or storage). We can store the blocks ortransactions in a queue (encrypted) and schedule processing them in anefficient matter.

3. Communicating Hierarchical Block Chains of Clusters of Transactions

The ability to arbitrage transaction time enables other useful features.In tape environment, not all tapes are accessible every point in time.We can schedule interaction time to communicate (in a secure matter)between multiple levels of block-chains. This guarantees security athigher levels of abstractions. The hierarchy of block chains can beoptimized to reduce memory and computational requirements at lowerlevels while reducing latency in terms of due diligence requests (e.g.,because parties in the logistics chain disagree). For example, ourinfrastructure components (such as the stationary and mobile gateway)can run a higher level abstraction block chain both from a storageperspective as well as from a computational perspective (e.g. the systemcan have three levels: the tape, mobile gateways like 412 in FIG. 9, andstationary gateways (414 in FIG. 9) that are always connected.

4. Lossless Block chain Storage Compression of (Partial) DependentClusters

Communicating hierarchical block chains enable more features. Afterdetails are communicated to a higher-level block chain in a securematter, the lower level block chains are compressed where dependentclusters of transactions are stored only a hash (i.e., not the actualdetails) called compressed transaction cluster. The higher level stillstores the actual details. This reduces the need to store all dependenttransactions at every level while still guaranteeing same security &resilience. The actual transactions are lost at the lower block chainbut still can be recovered at the higher-level block chain.

5. Lossy Block Chain Compression of Dependent Clusters

Another advantage of transaction time arbitrage and dependent clustersof transactions is that when all parties involved in a dependent clusterof transactions agree on the successful completion of the dependent setof transactions, then we then don't need to store the cluster anymore(not in lower level block chains nor higher level block chains). Notethat these events can happen many times before the tape actually getsshipped from A to B. The chains can be pruned to get rid of data andreplace it with a completion flag (to keep security).

6. Memory Overflow Resolution

In order to limit the memory overflow issues in tape application, whereavailable memory is limited, an optimization algorithm is used to find aglobal optimal solution would be analyzing the full graph of alltransactions and assigning weights as to what the cost would be if ahacker would invalidates parts of this. The general optimizationalgorithm can be improved by analyzing dependent clusters independently(collapsing them based on certain threshold/compromises). As an examplesimple set of timers stored in the block chain capturing the number ofcompleted dependent transactions may be one way to prioritize thebranches to be pruned in the solution search space.

7. Centralized Mining Server

Another component of the distributed block chain system is the use ofcentralized mining server where tapes/nodes nodes can fetch usefulpuzzles from a server (or a hierarchy thereof). The distribution ofthese tasks can use the traditional SHA256 hash and block chain tosecure the data.

8. Tape Block Chain API, OS, and Interposer Layer with a library ofThird Party Block Chain APIs

The Distributed block chains used in the tape environment areencapsulated at the API level and provide an interface to communicatewith the existing block chain used in the industry.

Communicating hierarchical block chains make the tape the lowest commondenominator and actually be the connecting tissue between differentblock chain standards. A generic block chain API and a wrapper frameworkthat encapsulates third party block chain APIs allows tape distributedblock chain to communicate with other block chain eco-systems. Thiscreates an abstraction that allows tape Operating system (tape LogisticsOS) to only interact with tape distributed block chain API.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

The following is a listing of example sets of additional embodimentsrelated to aspects of the embodiments described above. Each set ofadditional embodiments relates to one or more of asset monitoring,location management, and logistics in the context of wireless nodecommunications and sensing networks.

Additional Embodiment 1—Scheduling Wireless Autonomous Tape Agents

1. A method of scheduling wireless autonomous tape agents in a hierarchyof levels, comprising:

by the wireless autonomous tape agents, synchronizing with respect to atiming reference;

propagating, by a master node, scheduling instructions in a globalscheduling description language to the wireless autonomous tape agentsin the hierarchy of levels, wherein the propagating comprisestransmitting a respective subset of the global scheduling descriptionlanguage instructions in a preceding level in the hierarchy to eachwireless autonomous tape agent in a successive level lower in thehierarchy, and repeating the transmitting for each successive levellower in the hierarchy; and

executing, by the wireless autonomous tape agents, the respectiveinstructions to create a monitoring network for packages.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the propagating comprises restrictingthe propagation of global scheduling description language from apreceding level in the hierarchy to a successive lower level in thehierarchy to a subset of the global scheduling description language thatis relevant to the wireless autonomous tape agents in the successivelower levels in the hierarchy.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the timing reference is a timercomponent of the master node.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the timing reference of a clockcomponent of the master node.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the propagating comprises, by themaster node, transmitting global scheduling description languageinstructions to wake each of respective ones of the wireless autonomoustape agents.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the global scheduling descriptionlanguage instructions comprise one or more of: an instruction specifyinga schedule of wake times; an instruction specifying a wake up frequency;an instruction specifying a wake window; and an instruction specifyingone or more wake up conditions.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more wake up conditionscomprise one or more of an acceleration level above a thresholdacceleration, a shock level above threshold shock level, and atemperature level above a threshold temperature level.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein respective ones of the wirelessautonomous tape agents comprise accelerometers.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein respective ones of the wirelessautonomous tape agents comprise shock sensors.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the propagating comprises, by themaster node, transmitting parameter values to configure respective onesof the wireless autonomous tape agents to perform operations.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

grouping, by the master node, a set of packages each associated with arespective wireless autonomous tape agent;

designating, by the master node, one of the wireless autonomous tapeagents as a master wireless autonomous tape agent and designating otherones of the wireless autonomous tape agents as peripheral wirelessautonomous tape agents; and

switching, by the master wireless autonomous tape agent, the peripheralwireless autonomous tape agents into a low-power mode.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, by the master node,waking a selected one of the peripheral wireless autonomous tape agentsfrom the low-power mode and designating the selected peripheral wirelessautonomous tape agent as a current master wireless autonomous tapeagent.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, by the master node,configuring the selected peripheral wireless autonomous tape agent withcoded instructions to operate as a master wireless autonomous tapeagent.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising, by the master wirelessautonomous tape agent, waking the peripheral wireless autonomous tapeagents according to a wake schedule, detecting an unscheduled relativemotion between the master wireless autonomous tape agent, andtransmitting an alert based on detection of the unscheduled relativemotion between the master wireless autonomous tape agent and any of theperipheral wireless autonomous tape agents above a threshold.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by a selectedone of the wireless autonomous tape agents, global schedulingdescription language instructions defining an event, defining a responseto the event, and performing the defined response based on detection ofthe event.

16. A system to schedule communications for wireless autonomous tapeagents in a hierarchy of levels, comprising:

wireless autonomous tape agents operative to synchronize with respect toa timing reference;

a master node operative to propagate scheduling instructions in a globalscheduling description language to the wireless autonomous tape agentsin the hierarchy of levels, wherein the master node is operative toperform operations comprising transmitting a respective subset of theglobal scheduling description language instructions in a preceding levelin the hierarchy to each wireless autonomous tape agent in a successivelevel lower in the hierarchy, and repeating the transmitting for eachsuccessive level lower in the hierarchy; and

the wireless autonomous tape agents are operative to execute therespective instructions to create a monitoring network for packages.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the master node is operative torestrict the propagation of global scheduling description language froma preceding level in the hierarchy to a successive lower level in thehierarchy to a subset of the global scheduling description language thatis relevant to the wireless autonomous tape agents in the successivelower levels in the hierarchy.

18. A computer program product for execution by a computer system andcomprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium havingcomputer-readable program code portions embodied therein, thecomputer-readable program code portions comprising:

an executable code portion to synchronize wireless autonomous tapeagents with respect to a timing reference;

an executable code portion to propagate, by a master node, schedulinginstructions in a global scheduling description language to the wirelessautonomous tape agents in a hierarchy of levels, wherein the executablecode portion to propagate comprises an executable code portion totransmit a respective subset of the global scheduling descriptionlanguage instructions in a preceding level in the hierarchy to eachwireless autonomous tape agent in a successive level lower in thehierarchy, and repeating the transmitting for each successive levellower in the hierarchy; and

an executable code portion to execute, by the wireless autonomous tapeagents, the respective instructions to create a monitoring network forpackages.

Additional Embodiment 2—Bridging Autonomous Wireless Tape AgentCommunications

1. A system for establishing a wireless communications connectionbetween autonomous wireless tape agents and a remote server, comprising:

autonomous wireless tape agents adhered to stationary infrastructure andmobile assets within a physical premises environment;

a mobile vehicle carrying a wireless gateway comprising a first wirelesscommunications interface to communicate with the remote server, and asecond wireless communications interface to communicate with theautonomous wireless tape agents in the physical premises environment,wherein the second communications interface is operable to transmit oneor more wakeup signals to wake the autonomous wireless tape agents inthe physical premises environment, and the second communicationsinterface is further operable to scan wireless signals transmitted bythe autonomous wireless tape agents in the physical premisesenvironment.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communications interface isoperable to transmit one or more wakeup signals to wake the autonomouswireless tape agents in the physical premises environment from alow-power mode of operation to a normal power mode of operation.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communications interface isoperable to transmit wakeup signals concurrently.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communications interface isoperable to transmit wakeup signals serially.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communications interface isa single channel serial interface.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein autonomous wireless tape agentsdownload respective non-interfering schedules of times to transmit datato the wireless gateway over the second communications interface.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the wakeup signal concurrently wakesmultiple of the autonomous wireless tape agents, and each autonomouswireless tape agent is configured to wait a random amount of time beforetransmitting data on the second communications interface.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the autonomouswireless tape agents comprises a low-power radio that is awake while aprimary radio remains off until it is awakened by the receipt of awakeup packet by the low-power radio.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stationary antennaassociated with a serial communications interface in the physicalpremises environment, wherein the serial communications interface isoperable to record serial communications interface data received fromthe autonomous wireless tape agents.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the serial communications interfaceis operable to transmit the logged serial communications data to thesecond communications interface of the wireless gateway when the mobilevehicle is within range of the stationary antenna.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the serial communications interfaceis a LoRaWAN interface.

12. A method of establishing a wireless communications connectionbetween autonomous wireless tape agents and a remote server, comprising:

adhering autonomous wireless tape agents to stationary infrastructureand mobile assets within a physical premises environment;

carrying, by a mobile vehicle, a wireless gateway comprising a firstwireless communications interface to communicate with the remote server;

by a second wireless communications interface, communicating with theautonomous wireless tape agents in the physical premises environment;

transmitting, by the second communications interface, one or more wakeupsignals to wake the autonomous wireless tape agents in the physicalpremises environment; and

scanning, by the second communications interface, wireless signalstransmitted by the autonomous wireless tape agents in the physicalpremises environment.

13. A system for establishing a wireless communications connectionbetween autonomous wireless tape agents and a remote server, comprising:

autonomous wireless tape agents adhered to stationary infrastructure andmobile assets within a physical premises environment;

a mobile vehicle associated with a wireless gateway comprising

by a first wireless communications interface, an executable code portionto communicate with the remote server;

by a second wireless communications interface, an executable codeportion to communicate with the autonomous wireless tape agents in thephysical premises environment;

an executable code portion to transmit, by the second communicationsinterface, one or more wakeup signals to wake the autonomous wirelesstape agents in the physical premises environment; and

an executable code portion to scan, by the second communicationsinterface, wireless signals transmitted by the autonomous wireless tapeagents in the physical premises environment.

Additional Embodiment 3—Programmable Network Nodes

1. A method of creating a hierarchical communications network,comprising:

adhering a first tape node to a first parcel in a set of associatedparcels, the first tape node including a first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a second type of wireless communicationinterface having a longer range than the first type of wirelesscommunication interface;

adhering a second tape node to a second parcel in the set, the secondtape node including the first type of wireless communication interface,wherein the second tape node is operable to communicate with the firsttape node over a wireless communication connection established betweenthe first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first andsecond tape nodes; and

establishing, by a master node executing an application, a wirelesscommunication connection with the second type of wireless communicationinterface of the first tape node, and transmitting, by the application,programmatic code executable by the first tape node to function as amaster tape node with respect to the second tape node.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the master node:instructing the first and second tape nodes to report their currentrespective battery levels; and determining whether to designate thesecond tape node as a master tape node of the first tape node based onthe reported current respective battery levels.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, by the master node,designating the second tape node as the master tape node based on adetermination that the current battery level of the first tape node isbelow a threshold battery level.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising, by the master node,designating the second tape node as the master tape node based on adetermination that the current battery level of the second tape node ishigher than the current battery level of the first tape node.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the master node,transmitting programmatic code executable by the second tape node todetect and respond to an event.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, based on execution of theprogrammatic code by the second tape node, performing operationscomprising transmitting a wireless communication to an address of athird tape node adhered to an associated parcel in the set, and alertingthe master node based on a failure of the second tape node to receive aresponsive communication from the third tape node.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the alerting comprises, by the secondtape node, transmitting an alarm packet to the master tape node fortransmission to the master node.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising designating, by the masternode, the first tape node as a master tape node with respect to a thirdtape node adhered to an associated parcel in the set.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the second and third tapenodes comprises a respective sensor; and further comprising, by thesecond and third tape nodes, respectively collecting local parcelcondition data and processing the collected local parcel condition datato produce respective processed parcel condition data sets.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the respective processedparcel condition data sets comprises data values of a respectivehistogram.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising, by the second and thirdtape nodes, transmitting the respective processed parcel condition datasets to the designated master tape node; and further comprising, by thedesignated master tape node, processing the processed parcel conditiondata sets to produce a combined processed data set.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the combined processed parcelcondition data sets comprises data values of a respective histogram.

13. A hierarchical communications network, comprising:

a first tape node adhered to a first parcel in a set of associatedparcels, the first tape node including a first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a second type of wireless communicationinterface having a longer range than the first type of wirelesscommunication interface;

a second tape node adhered to a second parcel in the set, the secondtape node including the first type of wireless communication interface,wherein the second tape node is operable to communicate with the firsttape node over a wireless communication connection established betweenthe first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first andsecond tape nodes; and

a master node operable to execute an application to perform operationscomprising establishing a wireless communication connection with thesecond type of wireless communication interface of the first tape node,and designating, by the application, the first tape node as a mastertape node with respect to the second tape node.

14. A method of creating a hierarchical communications network,comprising:

activating a first tape node and adhering it to a first parcel in a setof associated parcels, the first tape node comprising a first type ofwireless communication interface and a second type of wirelesscommunication interface having a longer range than the first type ofwireless communication interface;

activating second and third tape nodes and respectively adhering them tosecond and third parcels in the set of associated parcels, the secondand third tape nodes each comprising the first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a respective sensor, wherein each of thesecond and third tape nodes is operable to communicate with the firsttape node over a wireless communication connection established betweenthe first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first,second, and third tape nodes;

by a master node executing an application, transmitting to each of thesecond and third tape node programmatic code for detecting andresponding to an event.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, based on the programmatic code, thesecond tape node performs operations comprising transmitting a wirelesscommunication to an address of the third tape node, and alerting themaster node based on a failure of the second tape node to receive aresponsive communication from the third tape node.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the alerting comprises, by thesecond tape node, transmitting an alarm packet to the master tape nodefor transmission to the master node.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmitting, by themaster node, programmatic code instructing the second and third tapenodes to perform operations comprising using their respective sensors tocollect local parcel condition data and processing the collected localparcel condition data to produce respective processed parcel conditiondata sets.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting, by themaster node, programmatic code enabling the first tape node to performoperations comprising functioning as a master tape node of the secondand third tape nodes, and processing the processed parcel condition datasets to produce combined processed parcel condition data set.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the aggregated processed parcelcondition data sets comprise data values of a respective histogram.

Additional Embodiment 4—One-Time Wake Circuit

1. A wireless communication device, comprising:

an antenna;

a wireless communication system;

a processor coupled to the wireless communication system;

an energy source;

a one-time wake circuit that can be awoken only one time and therebycreate a persistent unimpeded connection between the energy source andeach of the processor and the wireless communication system;

at least one non-transitory processor readable medium comprisingprogrammatic code which, when executed by the processor, configures theprocessor to perform operations comprising controlling the wirelesscommunication system to communicate wireless messages with one or moreother network nodes during respective communication windows specified inthe processor readable medium.

2. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe communication windows is defined based on a pre-existing schedule ofevents.

3. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe communication windows is associated with a respective definition ofan event occurrence of which triggers the wireless communication deviceto transmit one or more wireless messages to at least one other wirelessnetwork node.

4. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the eventdefinition comprises one or more conditions on one or more datacharacterizing an ambient environment of the wireless communicationdevice.

5. The wireless communication device of claim 4, further comprising asensor and, when a pertinent portion of the programmatic code isexecuted by the processor, the processor performs operations comprisingcontrolling the sensor to collect data characterizing the ambientenvironment of the wireless communication device.

6. The wireless communication device of claim 5, wherein the sensorcomprises at least one of a location sensor, a capacitive sensor, analtimeter, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a strainsensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a weight sensor, alight sensor, an acoustic sensor, a smoke detector, a radioactivitysensor, a chemical sensor, a biosensor, a magnetic sensor, anelectromagnetic field sensor, and a humidity sensor.

7. The wireless communication device of claim 5, wherein the controllingof the wireless communication system to communicate and the controllingof the sensor to collect data are performed separately.

8. The wireless communication device of claim 5, further comprisingprocessing the collected data characterizing the ambient environment ofthe wireless communication device to generate one or more statistics.

9. The wireless communication device of claim 8, wherein the one or morestatistics comprise data values of a histogram.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 8, wherein the wirelesscommunication device is one of multiple peripheral network nodesassociated with a master network node in a hierarchical communicationnetwork, and each of the peripheral network nodes is configured tocommunicate its wireless messages to the master network node.

11. The wireless communication device of claim 10, wherein each of theperipheral network nodes is configured to collect data characterizingits ambient environment, process the respective collected data togenerate a respective set of one or more statistics, and transmit therespective sets of one or more statistics to the master network node;and the master network node is configured to combine the respective setsof one or more statistics to generate one or more combined statistics.

12. The wireless communication device of claim 10, wherein the masternetwork node is one of multiple master network nodes associated with adesignated master network node at a higher level in the hierarchicalcommunication network, and each of the multiple master network nodes isconfigured to communicate its wireless messages to the designated masternetwork node at the higher level in the hierarchical communicationnetwork.

13. A wireless communication method, comprising:

responsive to an event, waking a one-time wake circuit of a wirelesscommunication device comprising and antenna, a wireless communicationsystem, and energy source;

responsive to the waking, creating a persistent electrical connectionbetween the energy source and each of the processor and the wirelesscommunication system;

by the processor, executing programmatic code stored on at least onenon-transitory processor readable medium component of the wirelesscommunication device to perform operations comprising controlling thewireless communication system to communicate wireless messages with oneor more other network nodes during respective communication windowsspecified in the processor readable medium.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises breaking anelectrical connection to drive a voltage applied to the input of theone-time wake circuit above a turn-on voltage level for the one-timewake circuit.

15. A method of creating a hierarchical communications network,comprising:

adhering a first tape node to a first parcel in a set of associatedparcels, the first tape node including a first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a second type of wireless communicationinterface having a longer range than the first type of wirelesscommunication interface;

adhering a second tape node to a second parcel in the set, the secondtape node including the first type of wireless communication interface,wherein the second tape node is operable to communicate with the firsttape node over a wireless communication connection established betweenthe first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first andsecond tape nodes; and

establishing, by an application executing on a computer system, awireless communication connection with the second type of wirelesscommunication interface of the first tape node, and transmitting, by theapplication, programmatic code executable by the first tape node tofunction as a master tape node with respect to the second tape node.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, by the application:instructing the first and second tape nodes to report their currentrespective battery levels; and determining whether to designate thesecond tape node as a master tape node of the first tape node based onthe reported current respective battery levels.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the application designates thesecond tape node as the master tape node based on a determination thatthe current battery level of the first tape node is below a thresholdbattery level.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the application designates thesecond tape node as the master tape node based on a determination thatthe current battery level of the second tape node is higher than thecurrent battery level of the first tape node.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising by the application,transmitting programmatic code executable by the second tape node todetect and respond to an event, wherein an event comprises one or moreof a consolidation event that involves one or more parcels being addedto existing set of parcels and a split event that involves one or moreparcels being removed from an existing set of parcels.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, based on execution of theprogrammatic code by the second tape node, performing operationscomprising transmitting a wireless communication to an address of athird tape node adhered to an associated parcel in the set, and alertingthe application based on a failure of the second tape node to receive aresponsive communication from the third tape node.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the alerting comprises, by thesecond tape node, transmitting an alarm packet to the master tape nodefor transmission to the application.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising designating, by theapplication, the first tape node as a master tape node with respect to athird tape node adhered to an associated parcel in the set.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the second and third tapenodes comprises a respective sensor; and further comprising, by thesecond and third tape nodes, respectively collecting local parcelcondition data and processing the collected local parcel condition datato produce respective processed parcel condition data sets.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein each of the respective processedparcel condition data sets comprises data values of a respectivehistogram.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising, by the second and thirdtape nodes, transmitting the respective processed parcel condition datasets to the designated master tape node; and further comprising, by thedesignated master tape node, processing the processed parcel conditiondata sets to produce a combined processed data set.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the combined processed parcelcondition data sets comprises data values of a respective histogram.

27. A hierarchical communications network, comprising:

a first tape node adhered to a first parcel in a set of associatedparcels, the first tape node including a first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a second type of wireless communicationinterface having a longer range than the first type of wirelesscommunication interface;

a second tape node adhered to a second parcel in the set, the secondtape node including the first type of wireless communication interface,wherein the second tape node is operable to communicate with the firsttape node over a wireless communication connection established betweenthe first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first andsecond tape nodes; and

a computer system operable to execute an application to performfunctions comprising establishing a wireless communication connectionwith the second type of wireless communication interface of the firsttape node, and designating, by the application, the first tape node as amaster tape node with respect to the second tape node.

28. A method of creating a hierarchical communications network,comprising:

activating a first tape node and adhering it to a first parcel in a setof associated parcels, the first tape node comprising a first type ofwireless communication interface and a second type of wirelesscommunication interface having a longer range than the first type ofwireless communication interface;

activating second and third tape nodes and respectively adhering them tosecond and third parcels in the set of associated parcels, the secondand third tape nodes each comprising the first type of wirelesscommunication interface and a respective sensor, wherein each of thesecond and third tape nodes is operable to communicate with the firsttape node over a wireless communication connection established betweenthe first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first,second, and third tape nodes;

by an application executing on a computer system, transmitting to eachof the second and third tape node programmatic code for detecting andresponding to an event.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, based on the programmatic code, thesecond tape node performs operations comprising transmitting a wirelesscommunication to an address of the third tape node, and alerting theapplication based on a failure of the second tape node to receive aresponsive communication from the third tape node.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the alerting comprises, by thesecond tape node, transmitting an alarm packet to the master tape nodefor transmission to the application.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising transmitting, by theapplication, programmatic code instructing the second and third tapenodes to perform operations comprising using their respective sensors tocollect local parcel condition data and processing the collected localparcel condition data to produce respective processed parcel conditiondata sets.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising transmitting, by theapplication, programmatic code enabling the first tape node to performoperations comprising functioning as a master tape node of the secondand third tape nodes, and processing the processed parcel condition datasets to produce combined processed parcel condition data set.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the aggregated processed parcelcondition data sets comprise data values of a respective histogram.

Additional Embodiment 5—Infrastructure for Autonomous Intelligent TapeAgents

Low cost locationing/gateway infrastructure for connecting tape tocloud.

Mobile trucker hub. Mobile vehicle/unit equipped with wireless gatewayfor communicating with tape agents. Connects tape agents with cloud whenmobile unit visit a product/materials storage facility (e.g., customs,shipping ports, warehouses, factories). Measure mobile and/or stationarytags. Tag is the master (not the infrastructure; tag looks for slavethat can communicate for it).

Mobile client of human operator. Operator device running Trackonomyapplication. Application can run in background to connect any nearbytape to cloud. Other functions: associate tape with phone; picture ofpackage; agreement on unique identifier transmitted to the cloud; billof lading—digital interpretation of the bill of lading; verificationprocedure for packages (e.g., unknown boxes). Secure log in.

User experience flow for activation and verification termination. Showwhat the app would look like. Hold phone. Based on RSSI know proximity.Asks you to make a photo of the bill of lading. OCR to input thedigitally QR code. Termination—gone out of system; success, not success;manual inspection; photo of what was received; signature.

Other infrastructure options: Install antenna on roof of storagefacility; Dedicated gateways.

Tape agent implemented infrastructure functionality. Tape agent asgateway for master tape agents. Tape agents as locationing beacons.Installed throughout facility (e.g., multi-level warehouse, everylevel).

Tape agents for tracking state of facilities and mobile entities (e.g.,forklift, doors, shipping container, gatekeeper for faraday cage, securerooms, smart manufacturing)

Hierarchy of tape agents. Example—there is separate tape on palletcluster, and each package in the cluster has its own tape. Hierarchy oftraffic agents. If fully under control of cluster, can turn off tapes onindividual packages only need to determine when the tapes are not longerpart of the cluster anymore by pallet tape, which only needs todetermine when box is not part of cluster; one master. Clusters talk toone another for the purpose of determining splits and consolidations,not for tracking. Topmost protocol is master/slave. Master could bechanging; adaptive protocol, if figure out all tapes are together, onlyneed one tape on at a time where the master can switch from one tape toanother; if master detects something, use shock sensor to turn onaccelerometer to see if something is moving.

Additional Embodiment 6—Dynamic Network of Autonomous Intelligent TapeAgents

Networking using LORA. Serial network. All gets logged, but cannot readit out whenever you want; in order to send/receive data need to waituntil in environment that enables connection to cloud. Tape agent onpackage is master, package says I'm in region of stationary antenna,tape specifies what operations to perform; tape agent on packagecontrols flow of information. Tape agent activation procedure: turn-ontape agent; cut tape sensor. Protocol to align timing/synchronize clocksof tape agents. Tape agents download schedule and configurationparameters for performing operations. Associate tape agents withcentralized system. Schedule when tape agent turns on: when turn onreset time with cloud; misalignment skew (few seconds); how long to keepon to get alignment; agree on next time to communicate, align potentialskew; have it on a long time vs. turn on for shorter time morefrequently; put information in beacon. Schedule has constructs (e.g.,when to wake up, how often to wake up, schedule for waking up, triggerpoints for waking, tape reports identity).

Alternatively, have a scanner that detects presence of gateway. Nocommunication unless reader available to read. When reader says read,wake-up radio. Wake up app, wakeup all tapes within vicinity. Solveproblem of having to coordinate turn on of all devices. Avoids issues ofskew and turning on fixed schedule which risks wasting battery life.

Tape agent wakeup upon receipt of RF frequencies. Security feature;secure way to wake up; complete security check before sending out anyinformation. The tape is in control, figures out when it's near hubgeo-fences, and then starts mass transmit.

Additional Embodiment 7—Preventative Logistics

Configuration Environment in which you can map out your supply chain andpartners, and drag and drop boxes and pallets; once you have thatdescription, the system compiles and splits out codes to all thedifferent tapes; delegates overall objective to all the individualtraffic agents either at package-level or pallet-level orcontainer-level.

Tape agents act as traffic agents that detect violations, then go intovery deep sleep mode. Localized context-sensitive checks.

Download checks/violations for triggering alarms. Supply chain rules.API for all things that can go wrong (e.g., dropped package, outsidetemperature range, incorrect splits). Implied notion—measuring progressagainst the plan; knowledge of plan.

Tapes log everything (e.g., capture splits and consolidations). Exampleviolations: boxes that need to be together. We have an encoding systemthat tells you which tape agents are allowed to be in your cluster. Whenassociate an ID to the tape, you can have indications of who can be yourassociate. Looking at other packages, when removed when shouldn't bemoved (alarm). Acceleration about threshold (dropped), stop shipment;“traffic agents” inside packages signal environment not to ship.

Detecting splits and consolidations. Mobile and stationary devices stillform a network. Truck has list of things it should have as truck isbeing loaded (e.g., detect when item not on list is loaded and detectwhen item supposed to have is missing). Look at drop in RSSI and look ataccelerometers not fully aligned any more. If packages on same pallet,should have same acceleration profile; if not, lost one or more. Alsoshould have same RSSI signal strength, if drop in RSSI might have lostone. Algorithm: for loading/unloading, look at RSSI; see drop instrength in one or more tapes.

Continuous intelligence: protect box; prevent wrongsplits/consolidations; prevent wrong loading/unloading; Need to know thelogistics plan.

Box specific violations downloaded (instead of constantly checking). Candownload parts of the plan. E.g., allowed to split/merge within theseparameters. Checks: make sure pallet owned by you; if your pallet, theseare the ones going to particular geography, shocks, drops.

Smart pallets. Not pallet itself because it is swapped out multipletimes during shipment; focus on collection of boxes as unit, not pallet.

Alarm—box starts buzzing the moment you split or consolidate it in acluster that is in violation with the overall shipment plan (or you geta text message telling you what to do).

Additional Embodiment 8—Consumable RFID Reader

Master tape agent configured to poll nearby tape agents configured withactive RFID tags that are powered by external power source (e.g., RFhub). Master tape agent logs inventory. Master tape detects protocolviolations.

Additional Embodiment 9—Scheduling

Container with cellphone: Cellphone-to-LORA+LORA-to-BLE+BLE-to-RFID

This whole hierarchy reduces cost. Optimize for hierarchical packaging(ship-container-pallet-box). Want to track lowest abstraction level.Minimize cost from BOM and monthly service costs. Multi-radio system.

Network protocol, scheduling (battery powered; need to turn-on/off),runtime operating system. Some communicators only communicate in onedirection or only in broadcast mode.

CELL-LORA+LORA−

Broadcast mode LORA talks to all boxes, alternatively directcommunication to a particular box. LORA single channel. Broadcast toall—>protocol: each node waits an arbitrary amount of time beforetransmitting/receiving signal; heartbeat: once per hour check-in. Twoapproaches—scheduling description language—before do rollout, have adescription of all the communication events that will be scheduleddistributed across network; each node only sees what its responsiblefor. E.g., master tape for container, master tape for pallet, etc. BLEsare slaves. Each master will receive the GSDL portion that it is scopedfor.

E.g., rule in global scheduling description language that say these twoboxes need to stay together. They need to go to same destination. GSDLsays that every five minutes or 1 hour check to make sure that the boxis still there. Part of GSDL need to roll up all the statistics. Thispallet collects the statistics of the details of its functioning—e.g.,how often are there shocks, histogram of different locations, vs. howoften there were shocks greater than threshold across particular region.As you go up the grouping hierarchy, the data is merged with the datafor the other groups at the same level. Do analytics in the cloud and atthe distributed level. If only do it in cloud, we're only pure cloudplayers; if want to monetize fact that we can do software and hardware,we need to find value in doing analytics locally. Very batteryconstrained, limits ability to do everything in cloud: do everything atbox level (communicate, e.g., histograms), combine box level to generateanalytics at the pallet level, combine box level data to generateanalytics at the container level, etc. to the cloud. Different brokers:A, B, C, . . . , F; how often temp violation happens, shock, splits,wrong consolidations, wrong loading/unloading.

All information has to bubble up to the cloud. Everyone cannot startcommunicating at the same time.

In the past GPS trackers do this with 3 million boxes and 500,000pallets. Need dashboards and visualizations that fit the data measures.Made HW dirt-cheap. Software irrelevant. New state: truck containspackages, has a trucker hub, and communicates through LORA.

Hierarchy of communication is non-trivial. Instead of having cellulareverywhere (too expensive), we need different layers.

Example: RFID→Bluetooth→LORA→Cellular

Practical setup: how do I communicate with what, at what point in time;how do we schedule; break it down with graph notation (arrow isdirection of communication vs. broadcast mode); axes are communicationevents, the nodes are objects with sensor nodes (can be on a pallet,container, truck, forklift, door, light switch). Some nodes can onlycommunicate in broadcast mode (e.g., LORA). Arrow represents directionof communication (use edge to indicate not a broadcast mode).

Need for different analytics—what that means when communicate it up isdo analytics locally and then consolidate it as you move up thehierarchy. Pallet is smart enough to combine the histograms of themultiple boxes. Container smart enough to combine multiple pallets togenerate analytics, etc.

Communication is very expensive. Need scheduling. Global schedulingdescription language—for all the nodes we specify what needs to happenat what point in time. Assume world is static: can say I want these twoboxes on this pallet to check every two days to make sure the other boxis still there; unless there is an acceleration event across anacceleration threshold (accelerometer) in which someone tries to move itthen want to check up on acceleration threshold event. Not a program,this is a generic description language that has instructions (e.g., gocommunicate X on this trigger Y). Trigger can be every hour based ontime frequency, based on temperature; thresholds can be based on GPSlocations, lots of different triggers. Do not know a priori that someoneis going to move the box, but can assume for this static scenario thatpallet will always be in this container.

Will not send the entire description language to every node. Instead,will only send the respective portion of the description language thatpertains to each particular node. Every container knows theelements/nodes of which it is the master; and only communicates lower inthe hierarchy the scheduling description language that is relevant tothat portion of the hierarchy. Only description language that getstransmitted by a particular master node is the portion relevant to theslaves below it.

Example: trucker hub can communicate with tapes on boxes. As soon astrucker hub comes by, need to wake them up if want to scan what's goingon. Triggers: location, acceleration, temperature, or wakeup signal(another am wave that hits the tape). Can be a scheduled event. GlobalScheduling Description Language (e.g., between 1 and 4 pm, ping everythirty minutes because we know truck is going to be there during thattime.

The other approach: TCPIP—all the different nodes have a forwardingtable that knows how to address things to certain areas. The graph(including dotted ones) is stored on every node—acts like a router. Givean instruction to this box (which has an address) you give it aninstruction to measure temperature; forwarding table says this box is onthis pallet, this box receives it, does its thing, sends packets back.Every node has a bunch of services that it offers to the overall system,and one service is just a communication service. Someone sends mepackets, I don't know that the contents are, I don't care; I will justforward the packets along path to the destination.

Eventually received by point in the hierarchy that knows what to do withthe packet and processes it. Need to store forwarding table everywhere.

Hybrid: generic description language—forward to relevant nodes,distributed analytics; TCPIP more robust. Three layers: (1) physicalembodiment—HW pieces that communicate with one another; (2)firmware—operating system, how communication events really happen in waythat minimizes power; (3) given supply chain, where do I put my nodes(supply chain with factory here, have a truck, a boat, test somethinghere and it goes back—flow of parts—put node here to figure out if dooris open or closed; put node on truck to figure out where it is, put oneon pallet, put one on board, etc.

You can put cellular radio tape on truck, but put lower cost tape onbox. Hierarchy of communication must match physical hierarchy oflogistics. Consideration: how many units are covered, how expensive arethe units, what infrastructure pieces do the units see. Solving thatproblem—whole new user interface environment; drag and drop box; modellogistics problem, then press button, thing rolls out—optimize where yougo; modeling and then deployment; app on phone: operators (not trained)instructed by app to place green tape on this wall; also considermaintenance—check if tape still has power or replace.

Levels: model supply chain; figure out optimum partitioning; rollout ofhaving services at different places; firmware of making the whole thingtick. Optimize that diagram based on your supply chain requirements; andoptimize cost of tapes based on actual products being protected; notjust colors, it is also statistical weighting factor (e.g., every tapehas tracker/sensor, or sampling tape). Where do I put the nodes; whatcolor are the nodes; what sampling rate/strength is it (1 out of 10 or 1out of 5); what battery life, range of communication.

On top of this is sampling rate (e.g., want to sample this node everyhour)—dictates amount of battery; range of Trackonomy products, whatcolor do I grab (10% sampling or 100% sampling).

Power harvesting (e.g., solar cells). Mechanism for harvesting (solarcells, vibrations, etc.); scheduling transmission of measurement.Measurement one time; one-time read. Part of scheduling framework.One-time read tags. Use models. Sampling rates; E&M harvesting forsensors.

Hierarchy of communication types; what does hierarchy mean in terms ofnetwork protocol, the scheduling, the runtime operating system,heartbeats of measuring; let's say cellular is expensive link, maybeheartbeat of every hour to send something; if I'm a box I need to beaware of that; if I want to send something to the cloud, I am the masterof the universe, I know there is a service that is available to helptransmit data to the cloud; I know that a signal will be available toreceive my transmission in one hour; window to transmitting data islimited. Not just hierarchy; BLE tags all communicate with each other,some may see each other, others might not see others.

Graphical notation makes things simpler; how communications should flow;generic clauses: two ends of spectrum—either scheduling descriptionlanguage vs. TCPIP (need forwarding tables, all nodes need to know wholenetwork); we have a very dynamic system (e.g., truck driving bywarehouse to scan boxes at certain times; we will know the schedules).TCPIP is too generic, does not leverage what we know. Check containeronce per day; check pallet once per hour; . . . .

Scheduling description language: communicate every two hours; give thatinstruction to my container; another scheduling instruction: synchronizeclocks/reset clocks (local area—e.g., Oakland port).

Inherent hierarchy; every node needs to decide what is affected by thelower abstraction levels; we know some schedules, also need some notionof forwarding where the pallet know which boxes it is the master of.Pallet can say these are my boxes; container can say these are mypallets.

TCPIP addressing scheme: {box}, {pallet}, {container}, {mobile (truck,ship, airplane)}, {stationary network}, {dynamic network—e.g., truckthat drives by on schedule or arbitrary}). Really should say {type ofthing, ID}. THING (type of thing, ID). Thing: box, forklift, lightswitch, etc. Post duct tape on thing want to monitor. Dynamic IP address(move box to another pallet). On top of this, this world is morescheduled than internet; scheduling description language.

Send measurement if triggered (GPS, shock, temperature, time (duration,frequency) Measurement can be GPS, temperature, other boxes detected.

Send scheduling description language (SDL) to slave nodes; sendmeasurement of thing (send me temperature of box 156 if GPS is near theharbor). Send SDL, box 536 is in this container in this port, so all theslaves that are affected by this keep it in your memory, hierarchicalrecursive propagation, master of a bunch of subordinate slaves. Who isaffected by this particular thing ID, this box says.

Another instruction: create histogram of certain measurement of a thingwhich is triggered; call instruction multiple times; locally stored.

Type: door, box, forklift, light switch (whatever needs to bemeasured/detected)

When receive overall address of a “thing” also know dynamic IPaddress—e.g., move box to a different pallet, address changes.

Put duct tape at location of strategic event. TCPIP thinking, when I getoverall address of a thing, I also know what pallet I'm addressing.

Scheduling description language: send measurement if triggered (GPS,shock, temperature, time (duration, frequency), other boxes detected.

Another instruction: send scheduling description language to slave,e.g., send measurement of thing (temperature of box 1567 if within x GPScoordinates of port y). Send SDL: box 1567 is in this container, at thisport, so all slaves that are affected by this keep it in your memory.Hierarchical recursive propagation. I'm master of other slaves; who'saffected by this particular ID? These boxes are mine.

Another instruction: create a histogram of certain measurement of athing; instead of a single measurement, call for transmission ofmeasurement from multiple slave nodes. Aggregate data. Send analyticalresults.

Implementation: control block with memory, analytics (e.g., histogram);sensors to do measurements; trigger logic to interpret things; storage(sensor data, SDL, forwarding table/graph—each node needs to know itsslaves in order to play a role in the operation of the system.

TCPIP (forwarding table) logic that knows how to communicate with theslaves and other nodes; SDL tell controller to do analysis of all thesensors that are slaves of it; e.g., do analysis of all temperature overperiod, measure every hour, show me histogram as a function of location;it knows all the slaves, and send instruction, break it up and send toall the boxes and then consolidate the result. generic description of athing and its address; want to communicate with box 123, pallet 5 oncontainer 2 it is connected to ship 1 and not opportunistic links. IfI'm at a node and want to do something with box 123, I know pallet 5 isconnected to me, send instruction to pallet 5, which will then talk withbox 123. If don't have access to pallet 5, then will go to container 2,if that doesn't work go to ship 1, which will then go to container 2,pallet 5, then box 123. Then box 123 executes that instruction andcommunicates the results all the way up.

Scheduling description language: example instructions; send certainmeasurement (GPS, temp, other boxes detected in area) of a certain thingthat has a unique ID at a certain trigger point; trigger can be GPScoordinates, certain distribution area, can be shock, time (duration,frequency); go one level up, store a histogram of all thesemeasurements; of a certain thing and trigger; execution logic willunderstand that it needs to take measurement multiple times andaggregate. Store histogram. Another instruction: send stored histogramup the network. Execute to combine histograms, also need to send thedata on which the histogram is based in order to combine the multiplehistograms. Need to look at all analytics people want to do, histogramsis just one. Break it down locally so don't have to communicateeverything upward (e.g., include number of data points, high, low values(range), etc.). Consider sampling to determine analytics.

One instruction is <send>, is <do>, <store>. Sending is expensive.Instruction set: store measurement every hour; send once per day or whenin port with low cost way of obtaining measurement data (e.g., atwarehouse).

This system is applicable to all applications. Sampling on cellular(10%—1 out of 10 cones have communications; heartbeat every 30 minutes),rest are Bluetooth. Tell me how many cars pass by detector once per day(continuous monitoring). General description language to control howsystem operates, need modeling environment to create this. Need genericdescription to capture requirements, click on a button to cause thesystem to generate the program code (scheduling description language).Every node will need to have a unique identifier. Smart building.Measuring events. Intersection of smart world with people doingactivities. People open doors etc. Perform optimization of thoseactivities. People enter, leave, turn on computer, turn on lights. Whencar is parked/leaves, when box enters certain section, when boxes seeother boxes.

Additional Embodiment 10—Parallel Non-communicating Block Chains ofIndependent Clusters of Transactions

1. A computer-based method, comprising:

accessing, by a processor, data from a data file comprising blocks andtransactions data accessible by one or more computing devices sharing ablockchain protocol based system, wherein the transaction data is storedin a blockchain and the blocks contain times and sequences oftransactions that are recorded into the blockchain;

responsive to a request to include data associated with one or moretransactions in a block of the blockchain, building graphs oftransactions among tapes and edges that define dependencies between thetransactions, wherein the building comprises identifying nodescorresponding to clusters of tapes that are determined to be independentbased on the graphs of transactions, wherein each tape is a type ofwireless communications device that is flexible and adhesive;

executing independent tasks associated with independent clusters oftapes in parallel; and

incorporating results of the executing into a block of the block chain.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying comprises using agraph algorithm to identify the independent clusters of tapes.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each cluster comprises at least athreshold number of nodes.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of creating a communicationsnetwork, comprising: adhering a first tape node to a first parcel in aset of associated parcels, the first tape node including a first type ofwireless communication interface and a second type of wirelesscommunication interface having a longer range than the first type ofwireless communication interface; adhering a second tape node to asecond parcel in the set, the second tape node including the first typeof wireless communication interface, wherein the second tape node isoperable to communicate with the first tape node over a wirelesscommunication connection established between the first type of wirelesscommunication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes; andestablishing, by a server, a wireless communication connection with thesecond type of wireless communication interface of the first tape node,and transmitting to the first tape node, by the server, programmaticcode executable by the first tape node to function as a master tape nodewith respect to the second tape node.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising, by the first tape node: instructing the first and secondtape nodes to report their current respective battery levels; anddetermining whether to designate the second tape node as a master tapenode of the first tape node based on the reported current respectivebattery levels.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, by thefirst tape node, designating the second tape node as the master tapenode based on a determination that the current battery level of thefirst tape node is below a threshold battery level.
 4. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising, by the first tape node, designating thesecond tape node as the master tape node based on a determination thatthe current battery level of the second tape node is higher than thecurrent battery level of the first tape node.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising, by the server system, transmitting programmatic codeexecutable by the second tape node to detect and respond to an event. 6.The method of claim 5, wherein, based on execution of the programmaticcode by the second tape node, performing operations comprisingtransmitting a wireless communication to an address of a third tape nodeadhered to an associated parcel in the set, and alerting the master tapenode based on a failure of the second tape node to receive a responsivecommunication from the third tape node.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the alerting comprises, by the second tape node, transmitting analarm packet to the master tape node.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising designating, by the second tape node, the first tape node asa master tape node with respect to a third tape node adhered to anassociated parcel in the set.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein each ofthe second and third tape nodes comprises a respective sensor; andfurther comprising, by the second and third tape nodes, respectivelycollecting local parcel condition data and processing the collectedlocal parcel condition data to produce respective processed parcelcondition data sets.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein each of therespective processed parcel condition data sets comprises data values ofa respective histogram.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising,by the second and third tape nodes, transmitting the respectiveprocessed parcel condition data sets to the designated master tape node;and further comprising, by the designated master tape node, processingthe processed parcel condition data sets to produce a combined processeddata set.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the combined processedparcel condition data sets comprises data values of a respectivehistogram.
 13. A communications network, comprising: a first tape nodeadhered to a first parcel in a set of associated parcels, the first tapenode including a first type of wireless communication interface and asecond type of wireless communication interface having a longer rangethan the first type of wireless communication interface; a second tapenode adhered to a second parcel in the set, the second tape nodeincluding the first type of wireless communication interface, whereinthe second tape node is operable to communicate with the first tape nodeover a wireless communication connection established between the firsttype of wireless communication interfaces of the first and second tapenodes; and wherein the first tape node is a designated master tape nodewith respect to the second tape node and the first tape node is operableto transmit programmatic code to configure the second tape node as amaster node with respect to the first tape node.
 14. A method ofcreating a hierarchical communications network, comprising: activating afirst tape node and adhering the first tape node to a first parcel in aset of associated parcels, the first tape node comprising a first typeof wireless communication interface and a second type of wirelesscommunication interface having a longer range than the first type ofwireless communication interface; activating second and third tape nodesand respectively adhering them to second and third parcels in the set ofassociated parcels, the second and third tape nodes each comprising thefirst type of wireless communication interface and a respective sensor,wherein each of the second and third tape nodes is operable tocommunicate with the first tape node over a wireless communicationconnection established between the first type of wireless communicationinterfaces of the first, second, and third tape nodes; by the first tapenode, transmitting to each of the second and third tape nodesprogrammatic code for detecting and responding to an event.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein, based on the programmatic code, the secondtape node performs operations comprising transmitting a wirelesscommunication to an address of the third tape node, and alerting thefirst tape node based on a failure of the second tape node to receive aresponsive communication from the third tape node.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the alerting comprises, by the second tape node,transmitting an alarm packet to the first tape node.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising transmitting, by the first tape node,programmatic code instructing the second and third tape nodes to performoperations comprising using their respective sensors to collect localparcel condition data and processing the collected local parcelcondition data to produce respective processed parcel condition datasets.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting, bythe first tape node, programmatic code enabling the first tape node toperform operations comprising functioning as a master tape node of thesecond and third tape nodes, and processing the processed parcelcondition data sets to produce aggregated processed parcel conditiondata set.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the aggregated processedparcel condition data sets comprise data values of a respectivehistogram.